re: 698,000 people living on disability benefits
In 2004, official figures showed 698,000 people living on disability benefits, of whom 114,000 were men aged 25 to 44. They include people assessed as suffering mental or physical disorders that prevent them holding a full-time job. The Government last year changed the rules so that new applicants capable of working part-time will be put on jobless (Newstart) benefits, but those already on disability support will be allowed to remain there.
