Tougher tests for people claiming disability benefits are being introduced in a bid to end Britain's "sicknote culture".

Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain said the test, which will look at what an individual can do rather than cannot do, was expected to get 20,000 people a year off sickness benefits.

The move comes as the number of people on incapacity benefits has trebbled over the last 30 years, and the types of illnesses have changed.

Of the 2.6 million people who qualify, 2,000 receive a benefit because they are too obese to work, and 50 got it last year because of acne.

Everyone applying for the new Employment and Support Allowance will have to take the new test as of next October, and it is estimated half will not pass.

It will look at things like a person's ability to use a computer keyboard or a mouse because this type of task is likely to be needed in the workplace.

Mr Hain said: "We know that many people want to work - work is good for you and your long-term well-being and we don't think it's right that in the past people were effectively written off. We want to work with people to get them back into jobs and help them stay there."

He added: "Currently, there are many people sitting at home in the belief that they are unemployable, with no life choices or long-term prospects because they do not think their illness or medical conditions can be catered for in the workplace.

"But this is just not the case. Many people with such conditions are perfectly able to take up successful careers, if the right support is in place."

There are currently 2.64 million working age people claiming incapacity benefits, which cost the country nearly £12.5 billion in 2006/07.

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