Chris Grayling, the Employment Minister, said that the figures justified the Government?s plans for thorough reform of the benefits system.
He said: ?Once again we have clear evidence of the need for change in our welfare system.
?We now know very clearly that the vast majority of new claimants for sickness benefits are in fact able to return to work.
?That?s why we are turning our attention to existing claimants, who were simply abandoned on benefits.
?We will, of course, carry on providing unconditional support to those who cannot work, but for those who can it?s right and proper that they start back on the road to employment.?
Of those who were signed off work, in the last two years, 35 per cent had a disability which made it difficult for them to function, 22 per cent were considered to pose a health risk to themselves or others due to a physical or mental condition, and 16 per cent were undergoing chemotherapy.
Another 11 per cent were terminally ill, one per cent was pregnant and the rest had a range of other serious conditions.
The most common complaint put forward by those who were found to be fit for work was musculoskeletal conditions such as back ache, followed by those with conditions such as diabetes and obesity, and mental and behavioural disorders.
More than a third of those who were found to be fit to work submitted appeals, with six out of 10 being rejected.
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