Explores the reasons for the rise in recent years in the number of women of working age in Britain claiming incapacity benefits (IB). Notes that there are now almost as many women claiming IB as men. Looks at the reasons female IB claimants are so heavily concentrated in almost exactly the same places as male IB claimants; in particular the older industrial areas of the north of England, Scotland and Wales. Suggests that men and women in former industrial areas are in direct competition for employment as men increasingly take on jobs formerly seen as 'women's work', squeezing female counterparts out of the labour market and on to IB. Considers what would help claimants return to work. Discusses the policy implications of the findings.