Discussions with Rachel Blake MP on Pathways to Work

Posted on: 21/05/2025

Dear RSMSJ Members,

Last week, the RSMSJ executive committee attended online and in-person sessions hosted by Rachel Blake MP, focusing on the government's Pathways to Work Green Paper, outlining major proposed reforms to disability benefits and employment support.

Rachel has since shared a follow-up email offering further opportunities to speak directly with her. She reiterated the following key concerns raised during the discussions:

• The anxiety caused by proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

• A widespread feeling that disabled individuals must be directly involved in shaping policy

• Specific concern about the impact on people with mental health conditions

• The risk of losing existing protections currently available to PIP recipients

Rachel has committed to continuing conversations with parliamentary colleagues and will update attendees as discussions progress.

If you would like to speak with Rachel in a 1:1 setting, you are welcome to book a place at one of her surgery appointments.

Please contact her office directly at: rachel.blake.mp@parliament.uk

Her team will respond with available times and locations.

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep RSMSJ members informed.

Warm regards,

The RSMSJ Executive Committee