Employment & Support Allowance Launched In The North

ESA provides the poorest, most disabled people in society with more financial support, while providing other disabled and long-term ill people, who could work, greater help to find employment.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: "Evidence demonstrates a clear link between working and improved health. Employment and Support Allowance is a huge step forward in helping those that are currently unable to work to start back on the path to employment.

"We can provide for those who are able to take steps towards work, we can provide a greater degree of financial support, faster, for those that are too ill to do so."

Evidence shows that the right type of work can be therapeutic for both mental and physical health problems. It can also help promote recovery, and even improve an individual's condition. ESA builds on the successful 'Pathways to Work' programme, which has been fully rolled out in Northern Ireland as of April this year, and has helped more than 2,000 people into work.