Gill German MP has warmly welcomed the Government’s recent announcement of the new ‘Right to Try’ legislation, saying it will make a real difference to disabled people and those with long term health conditions living in Clwyd North.
The new law, laid in Parliament this week and due to come into force at the end of April, means people can try work or volunteering without automatically risking their benefits. It applies to those receiving new style Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and the Universal Credit health element.
For many people in Clwyd North, the fear of reassessment or losing essential income has been a major barrier to work. Gill German said this change directly addresses those concerns.
The announcement follows a forum hosted by Gill German in April 2025, where local organisations discussed the Government’s Pathways to Work White Paper and the challenges faced by people who want to work but feel unable to take the risk.
The forum brought together organisations supporting people across Clwyd North, including:
- Citizens Advice Denbighshire
- Citizens Advice Conwy
- The Benefits Advice Shop
- Working Denbighshire
- Cartrefi Conwy
- Adferiad
- Grŵp Cynefin
- Headway
- Rhyl Food Bank
- Denbighshire County Council Housing
The Clwyd North MP said the same message came through time and again.
“People in Clwyd North want to work or volunteer, but the fear of losing their benefits stops many before they even begin. This new Right to Try law removes that fear.”
Crucially, the legislation ensures that starting work or volunteering will not automatically trigger a benefits reassessment, giving people a safety net if work does not work out.
It also protects people who want to volunteer, recognising that volunteering is often an important first step towards paid work, confidence and connection.
“For many people in Clwyd North, this is about dignity and choice,” Ms German said.
“It means you can test what works for you, manage your health, and build confidence – without worrying that everything will be taken away.”
The changes were developed with disabled people and those with health conditions through DWP Collaboration Committees and are backed by £3.5 billion in employment support funding by the end of the decade.
Gill German MP also welcomed wider programmes such as Connect to Work, which aims to provide personalised, tailored support into suitable jobs.
“This is a positive, common‑sense change shaped by real lived experience. My priority now is making sure people in Clwyd North feel the benefit of these changes” Gill German added.
