At the end of April 2026, new legislation will come into force aimed at addressing concerns about losing benefits support if employment does not work out.

For many disabled individuals and those with long-term health conditions, the risk of triggering a benefits reassessment can discourage them from pursuing work or volunteering.

The new legislation seeks to address this issue. From the end of April, starting employment will no longer automatically trigger a benefits reassessment for individuals receiving:
• New-style Employment and Support Allowance.
• Personal Independence Payment.
• The health element of Universal Credit.

The new rules also ensure that volunteering, often a first step back into employment, will not trigger a reassessment.

For employers, this change may help remove a barrier that has previously prevented suitable candidates from entering the recruitment process.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/barriers-to-work-removed-for-disabled-benefit-claimants-as-landmark-legislation-introduced