Rethink Mental Illness have launched a petition calling for an in dependent inquiry into benefits deaths.
The petition is supported by a wide range of other charities, including:
- Child Poverty Action Group
- Disability Rights UK
- Liberty
- Mind
- MS Society
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Support in Mind Scotland
- The Trussell Trust
The full text of the petition reads:
We are deeply concerned that some of the policies and processes of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) appear linked to avoidable deaths.
We believe that the DWP should do everything in its power to prevent all avoidable deaths. That’s why we’re calling on the Government to establish an independent inquiry into those deaths where it appears that the welfare benefits system may have played a significant role.
Kelly, one of our supporters told us:
“There have been times during the whole process where it has been so bad that it has caused me to have suicidal thoughts… It has made me so terrified of job centres”
The clock is ticking. The Government will move people from Employment and Support Allowance to Universal Credit in November – it is crucial that we understand the circumstances of these deaths before embarking on this change.
You can sign the petition here
