SNP CALL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO BENEFIT THAT BENEFITS NOONE

SNP CALL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO BENEFIT THAT BENEFITS NOONE

LABOUR’S ESA INCREASES MENTAL STRAIN

SNP work and pensions spokesman, John Mason MP, has called for an investigation into new benefit rules after reports people with serious mental health problems are inappropriately being told they are fit to work.

Scottish mental health charity, SAMH, and Citizens Advice Scotland have been “inundated” with appeals against the UK Government’s Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and claim sick and disabled clients are being “let down” by the ESA system. In one case a man with a history of mental illness attempted suicide after being told he had to return to work.

Commenting SNP work and pensions spokesman, John Mason MP, said:

“This Labour Government’s benefit reform has increased stress and pressure on vulnerable people. These are the very people who need society’s protection and it is utterly unacceptable that the system in place to help is heightening mental strain and anguish.

“From the start the DWP has been warned that it was going about these reforms in the wrong way and it is vulnerable people that are paying the price.

“It’s simply wrong that people with genuine disability and incapacity should face such harsh treatment. When done right, return-to-work initiatives could benefit both the economy and the worker. Crucially though, people should only return when they are ready and able to do so and only when correct support measures are available. This forced one-size-fits-all model clearly does not work.

“The Labour Government has approached these reforms in an utterly irresponsible manner. The DWP cares more about cutting the benefit bill than helping and supporting people back to work.

“We need an immediate investigation into the assessment process before the UK Government’s callous and ill-advised policy causes further harm.”