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Disability UK Online Health Journal – All In One Business In A Box – Forum – Business Directory – Useful Resources – Health – Human Rights – Politics
DISABLED ENTREPRENEUR – DISABILITY UK
Disability UK Online Health Journal – All In One Business In A Box – Forum – Business Directory – Useful Resources – Health – Human Rights – Politics
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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently introduced new rules for Jobcentre interactions, sparking widespread concern among claimants of Universal Credit (UC), Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). These changes, which aim to streamline processes and increase claimant engagement, have left many feeling anxious about their financial security and the additional burdens imposed by these policies.
Britain has seen a notable rise in the number of individuals claiming long-term sickness benefits, according to the latest data from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) over 2.5 million people are now classified as economically inactive due to long-term illness, a record high.
The welfare cap, a policy designed to limit the total amount of benefits a household can claim, has sparked intense debate regarding its fairness and real-world impact on people living in poverty.
Assuming that a disabled person is capable of performing certain tasks or stepping outside their comfort zone without considering their individual limitations can lead to significant legal breaches. Such assumptions may violate the Equality Act 2010, particularly the duty to make reasonable adjustments, as forcing someone to undertake activities beyond their capacity disregards their health and well-being.
The UC Commitment Agreement’s “one-size-fits-all” approach fails to consider the unique circumstances of claimants who are carers, students, and entrepreneurs. By disregarding their need for accommodations and imposing excessive demands, UC risks pushing these individuals to the brink, both financially and emotionally.
For self-employed individuals, Universal Credit and other benefits usually consider profit (after expenses) as income. However, classifying profit as income can have a negative impact on a business.
Universal Credit, intended to streamline welfare support, has become a source of severe emotional distress for many, especially those with mental health conditions, disabilities, or those juggling multiple responsibilities like caring, self-employment, and education. The system’s requirements often push claimants into situations that worsen their mental health, with frequent threats of sanctions and unrealistic task demands creating a cycle of anxiety and fear.
Coercion by government agencies, especially when compounded by financial difficulty, can deepen discrimination against individuals with disabilities, forcing them into situations that compromise their rights and well-being.
Universal Credit should be a lifeline for those facing financial hardship, but its punitive approach often creates additional struggles rather than relief. By knowing your rights, documenting your interactions, challenging unfair decisions, and raising awareness, you can defend yourself and join the movement for a welfare system that prioritizes the dignity and rights of its claimants over fiscal cuts Change will require a collective effort. But with ongoing advocacy and persistence, we can strive for a fairer welfare system that respects the diverse needs and rights of all claimants.
Reducing welfare payments in the name of fiscal savings directly undermines human rights protections meant to ensure dignity, equality, and security for all. When economic decisions neglect the real-world consequences for the most vulnerable, they risk violating the Human Rights Act, the Equality Act, and international human rights standards. Rather than shrinking support, the government should focus on policies that uplift all members of society and reinforce fundamental rights.