Almost four out of 10 benefit claimants who were considered too unfit to work are back on the jobs market after a reassessment of their condition.

On top of that, another two out of 10 were found able to work with the right help.

Thousands of people claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) have lost their right to benefits and now have to find work.

To guide them, the government has launched a nationwide back to work programme.

The programme is aimed at helping the long term unemployed get back to work, while offering unconditional financial support to those who are too sick or disabled to take a job.

Around 1.3 million claimants were tested between October 2008 and last November – with 88,700 people found unfit to work.

Work and Pensions minister Steve Webb said: “These figures show that many people are able to work with the right help. We have strengthened the support now available tailoring it to individual needs so they can overcome whatever barriers they face.

“Those who cannot work will always receive our unconditional support but for those who can work it’s right that they get the help they need to get into employment.

“We are continuously improving the medical test to ensure that it is as fair and effective as possible.”

A review of the new assessment procedure also revealed 36% of ESA claimants close their application before assessment is complete, mainly due to recovery from short term conditions.

According to the figures, that leaves just 7% of previous ESA claimants assessed as unfit to work.

If someone is found fit for work, their ESA claim ceases, but they can request a second opinion or appeal the decision.

Labour initiated work capability assessments in 2008, and since then all new claimants have undergone a test.  ESA was paid out at the rate of around £8.7 billion a year until the tests reduced the numbers eligible for the benefit.