Mental health groups and charities attack plans drawn up by Department for Work and Pensions
Some long-term sick and disabled people face being forced to work unpaid for an unlimited amount of time or have their benefits cut under plans being drawn up by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Mental health professionals and charities have told the Guardian they fear that those who have been deemed fit to undertake limited amounts of work under a controversial assessment process could suffer further harm to their health if the plans go ahead.
The new policy, outlined by DWP officials in meetings with disabilities groups, is due to be announced after legal changes contained in clause 54 of the welfare reform bill have made their way through parliament.
The policy could mean that those on employment and support allowance, who have been placed in the work-related activity group (Wrag), could be compelled to do work experience for charities and public bodies, and in high-street retailers. The Wrag group includes those who have been diagnosed with terminal cancer but have more than six months to live; accident and stroke victims; and those with mental health issues.
More:
Disabled people face unlimited unpaid work or cuts in benefit | Society | The Guardian
This has gone a step to far now
Some long-term sick and disabled people face being forced to work unpaid for an unlimited amount of time or have their benefits cut under plans being drawn up by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Mental health professionals and charities have told the Guardian they fear that those who have been deemed fit to undertake limited amounts of work under a controversial assessment process could suffer further harm to their health if the plans go ahead.
The new policy, outlined by DWP officials in meetings with disabilities groups, is due to be announced after legal changes contained in clause 54 of the welfare reform bill have made their way through parliament.
The policy could mean that those on employment and support allowance, who have been placed in the work-related activity group (Wrag), could be compelled to do work experience for charities and public bodies, and in high-street retailers. The Wrag group includes those who have been diagnosed with terminal cancer but have more than six months to live; accident and stroke victims; and those with mental health issues.
More:
Disabled people face unlimited unpaid work or cuts in benefit | Society | The Guardian
This has gone a step to far now
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