A million Britons found lying for illness benefits

Nearly a million people in Britain, applying for sickness benefits, have been found fit enough to work, authorities have revealed.

A third (32 per cent) of all new claimants for unemployment and support allowance (ESA) were assessed as being fit to work and capable of employment between October 2008 and March 2013 -- totalling 980,400 people, the Daily Mail quoted the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), responsible for welfare and pension policy.

Over a million others withdrew their claims before reaching a face-to-face assessment -- this can be because of individuals recovering and either returning to work or claiming a benefit more appropriate to their situation.