A THIRD of people on incapacity benefit in Burnley have been rated ‘fit to work’ by tough new tests.

For the first time, the results of a pilot taking place have been revealed.

They mean that thousands of long-term sick claimants will be told to get back to work and moved onto the lesser Jobseekers’ Allowance.

Just 31per cent of claimants were deemed to need ‘unconditional support’ and it was judged that 39per cent could ‘start the journey back to work’ with help and support.

Ministers said the results justified their decision to reassess people on long-term sickness benefit.

But critics were concerned about the test, which has already been slated by an official review, and said the region’s economy would suffer when thousands of people are forced onto Job Seekers’ Allowance when there are few vacancies available.

The tests, which were also piloted in Aberdeen, will now be rolled out across the country.

Peter Kenyon, of Burnley Citizens’ Advice Bureau, said he was ‘very sceptical’ about the ability of so many people to find work.

He said: “There will be considerable impact on the economy of Burnley, because of the reduction in benefits people will receive.

“And the likelihood of people finding work in the current climate is pretty low.”

In November an official review said the test, which is also being used on new claimants across the country, was ‘impersonal and mechanistic’, lacked transparency and was confusing for the people involved.

In particular, Mr Kenyon said it was not suited to people with mental health conditions.

Ministers say they are in the process of implementing the findings of the review.