The EHRC announced the probe as “the strongest possible action” it could take, stating that it was investigating whether the department violated equalities law by failing to make reasonable adjustments for people with learning difficulties or long-term mental health disorders when conducting evaluations.
The EHRC began investigating the department following a report by MPs in 2021 that suggested an investigation into the deaths of vulnerable claimants over the previous decade, including suicide.
And, while the organization’s initial aim was for the DWP to sign a legally binding agreement to address its concerns, it has now escalated the situation to an official investigation.
