Debate about working, benefits and costs.

wkd

I am interested in opening a friendly debate about work and benefits and how people feel about being allowed to work part-time around disabilities without fear of losing benefits or being sanctioned.  

I was sacked from my last full-time job due to my MH and to be honest if I was well enough to go back to work it would scare me that it would happen all over again.

In my previous job before the last one, I worked for 4 and half years but I received Disability Tax Credits, which I found to be a safety net when I wasn't well enough to work, I worked for an agency so I could choose my hours and days around my disabilities.

Since all of this, my MH and my physical disabilities have become a lot worse and I can no longer work, but sometimes I think if I had a part-time job working from home it might help with my MH, well-being and finances because as discussed disabled people's costs are much higher.

 I know mine are with heating bills and the fact I can no longer go to the shops due to severe anxiety and physical difficulties. For example, last night I realised I was out of essentials and couldn't wait for a two-day delivery slot, so I ordered online from Morrison's for these essentials and found that the cost of food when ordered at the same time has a HUGE markup.  I am not sure these big supermarket chains should be allowed to get away with this as I feel it disproportionally affects the elderly and disabled. 

Perhaps whichever government holds power shortly instead of dictating should have an open discussion, not an opinion poll, but an open, frank discussion with disabled people to understand the obstacles faced by many.

wkd

I normally order from Asda, but some items were out of stock such as lactose-free milk and I had no milk left, so I needed it that day, however, same-day delivery says from Tesco, Morrisons or the like is a lot more expensive than regular weekly shopping delivery. I can no longer just nip out for a pint of milk and if I want it that day, I am paying nearly a quarter more than if I just went to the shop. Not to mention delivery fees, packing fees and all the fees they add to the already vastly inflated prices.

I think the disabled tax credits worked, but now it's universal credit it feels like they are saying if you can work part-time there is nothing wrong with you and the 50 per cent of how a disability affects you doesn't apply.