27 October 2011

BBC broadcasts The Future State of Welfare, which mirrors government rhetoric, and uses faulty data, about the work capability assessment system.

What: The Future State of Welfare, presented by BBC journalist John Humphrys, uses faulty data about the WCA system and fails to point out the extensive criticisms of the severity, inaccuracy and inflexibility of the assessment process. Humphrys tells viewers that “more stringent” tests have been brought in to “try to flush out people who are claiming on health grounds when they should not be”, mirroring a lot of the government’s rhetoric on incapacity benefit reforms.

Why significant: Demonstrates the role of mainstream media, alongside government, in crafting public consent for the introduction of welfare reforms and cuts.