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Labour attack on disabilities - worklessness

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2 months 1 day ago #296063 by taniaw67
Sorry, ended up with an essay. Possibly rant!

Labour calls disability/long-term sickness - 'worklessness'. It feels so demeaning and turns my stomach when I hear that - they might as well be saying 'worthless'. It plays to a certain kind of audience.

Infering people are choosing not to work, rather than being unable to work.
Sending work coaches into in-patient mental health wards/facilities could be fatal for some patients in a crisis/episode.
Giving 'fat jabs' so losing weight means you will be able to work - once those stop, the weight is usually regained. NHS will not give people who have lost a lot of weight excess skin surgery. So although less heavy, body image can still be disturbed due to looking 'deflated' with folds of skin. If NHS included that, there would be more motivation/incentive not to regain the weight for many.

Then claiming that no one should be out of work for mental health reasons, including mood disorders (the years taken to get mental health recognised just as physical health gone to waste). Focussing on condition doesn't take into account the varying degrees people can suffer and what triggers dangerous episodes.

They want to remove the 'harm to self or others' from assessments, as well as social engagement descriptors, etc.

With my health, it takes a lot to stay stable and I have 12-year-old twin boys, one with autism. I've been in hospital in the past; several years ago for a year in a therapeutic community, then 3 times in hospital since. When I last worked my condition deteriorated to the point I was self-harming daily, and couldn't sleep if there was a meeting the following day (I'm still the same when I have an appointment, hence LCWRA). My self-harm had different forms - usually cutting or 'mini-overdoses' just to cope. I had 3 months of sick leave - 3 weeks inpatient, the rest day patient. When I returned, found my deputy had lied about me while I was away and even worse, when I got back she lied in front of me about me - I was still getting used to Valproic acid so it was like gaslighting. Within days, I knew something was up, she said 'I don't know why you came back, I've made sure you have no friends left here'. Then I was demoted and she took my job.

I started working at home but had the same problem. I would work 36 hours straight (as you can imagine not optimum quality). Then couldn't raise my head off the pillow other days. I was made redundant and have not worked since. Felt broken.

Not satisfied Conservatives sent many into an early grave, it seems Labour is hell-bent on attacking the most vulnerable. Does 'assisted dying' include the government making life intolerable for the disabled?

I just got 'ongoing enhanced PIP for both elements' - with review contact in 2033. Now worrying again it will be changed.

With all the threats/assaults on the disabled - the uncertainty is soul-destroying.
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2 months 1 day ago #296085 by BIS
Hi taniaw67

I'm so glad that you have enhanced rates for PIP until 2033. The government is talking about changes to PIP and that has made a lot of people fearful for the future. Unfortunately, at the current time, it is impossible to separate what is rhetoric, government grandstanding or what changes will come into practice through new legislation and how quickly any changes may be implemented. We have no control over what is being said, how it is reported, or the many discussions held on different platforms with many opposing views.

You have enough on your plate as a mother to your two precious boys and caring for your own health. "Worklessness" is pretty insulting, but it is not worth your energy to let the words of someone you have never met and don't know to keep going around in your mind. You are not worthless - so don't even think about it.

If specific changes affect you, you can deal with them at the time. Try not to focus on changes that may not happen.

BIS

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: denby, Wendy Woo, Hazel
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1 month 3 weeks ago #296400 by taniaw67
Replied by taniaw67 on topic Labour attack on disabilities - worklessness
Thank you for this.

You are right, I will try to avoid reading articles on this, except on here.

I've already cut my Twitter down to once or twice a month as it doesn't help.

I've transitioned to UC already, but I have an uplift of £233 - I'm not sure when that finishes, either. For now, though, I'll try to forget about it!
The following user(s) said Thank You: denby
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1 month 3 weeks ago #296402 by BIS
Hi taniaw67

Well done for protecting yourself. I'm glad you have the uplift.

BIS

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: taniaw67, denby
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