"Sickness handouts to be cut for mentally ill" under Labour proposal- The Telegraph
Comments
-
I hear your concern and frustration, and I share it. It's incredibly important to address the misconception that "mild" mental health conditions like anxiety and depression aren't serious. As you rightly pointed out, they can absolutely be a gateway to severe mental illness and suicidal thoughts. Dismissing someone's struggles because they're perceived as "mild" is not only invalidating but also dangerous. It can prevent individuals from seeking help and create a sense of isolation, potentially exacerbating their condition.
The example of Graham Thorpe is a tragic illustration that success, family, and outward appearances don't immunise anyone against the devastating effects of depression. It reinforces the point that mental illness doesn't discriminate and can affect anyone regardless of their background or achievements. His passing is a stark reminder of the importance of taking all mental health concerns seriously.
You're also right to highlight the lack of understanding surrounding mental illness. It's easy for those who haven't experienced it to minimise or trivialise the pain and suffering it causes. This lack of empathy can lead to dismissive attitudes and harmful advice, like simply telling someone to "snap out of it." Such responses can be incredibly damaging and push people further into despair.
I appreciate you bringing up the need for tact and compassion, especially in online spaces like this where people come to share their vulnerabilities. While financial pressures and personal struggles can understandably make us focus inward, it's crucial to remember that empathy and support can make a profound difference in someone's life. We're all carrying our own burdens, and creating a safe and understanding environment is essential for helping each other through difficult times. Thank you for advocating for greater understanding and compassion.
3 -
I strongly object to LCWRA being withheld from people without a diagnosis beyond D&A, they can be severe & debilitating, sometimes for life.
Also, they are the only labels able to be officially diagnosed by a GP, when thousands of people cannot gain access to secondary services this may be the only label they get, even if they might have other diagnosable conditions with associated risk & disability.
Then my category of people, and I admit I don't know how common this is, just that it affects me and would be a threat to my survival, which given I don't believe in life after death, means a lot to me…
I have been having MH difficulties since childhood, definitely related to abuse, perhaps to other inherited issues which I have always declined to have confirmed, for several complex reasons. I am scared of diagnosis, I am also equally scared of being told that for 50 years there's been nothing wrong with me at all. Severe depression & anxiety have been my symptoms, of whatever lies underneath. I can't pick at that, because all my life I've been told I was made wrong, that I was defective, and bad. To get a label would be a confirmation of that to me, it would feel like I don't deserve to be here, that I never did.
If I got told I didn't qualify for any diagnosis, it would mean that all these years I've been faking it, a complainer, deliberately avoiding adult responsibilities for no reason, been a burden to everyone and society.
I am diagnosed with my symptoms. I have been able to access services for them, because I've had the will and the opportunity to get therapy, but the fact I'm still disabled by my mental health strongly suggests underlying problems. I'm just deathly scared to go down that route, if they change the rules I'll be in a real Catch 22, get a diagnosis = die, don't get a diagnosis = die. It wouldn't work for me.
2 -
On April 18 2024, under the last government the DWP Research and Analysis team published a report detailing estimates of how many claimants may be affected by the new changes. As of now, there have been no updates to supersede this report, nor any indication that Labour plans to move away from these proposals.
The DWP report highlights significant potential revisions, including:
Removal of the Mobilising Activity: This change could significantly impact how mobility is assessed for LCWRA.
Realignment of LCWRA Substantial Risk Rules: The proposed adjustments aim to revert to the original policy intent, applying these rules only in exceptional circumstances.
Reduction of Points for Certain Descriptors: This specifically pertains to the Getting About activity used to assess LCW.In the absence of official announcements or denials regarding these changes, it seems likely that the above may be adopted. However, this will depend on further examination and any forthcoming updates from the DWP Research and Analysis team. we should remain attentive to official updates. See link.
1 -
I'm aware. I get LCWRA currently under the substantial risk rule. As I have always avoided diagnosis & never been psychotic I am on the front line for losing it if they press ahead.
My PIP award reflects my true difficulties, I am also worried I might lose that too. I'm sure I will not be the only casualty of this drive to sweep our disabilities under the rug and pretend we're all faking it.
1 -
I have to disagree with you on that one @Nightcity because I believe you can have mild and severe mental health.
However I do agree that sick pay and reducing it it's ridiculous. However loads of people are taking it because they think it's a way to get out off work and putting it down to stress and anxiety. Now don't get me wrong most of the population like us are not one of them but there's more and more people in the world that are taking advantage of sick pay. Oh the other hand some employers aren't treating there staff properly so they are taking sick pay because they are just fed up with it all.
I'm going to put this to the assembly and see what they think.0 -
Hi I have had contact with some of the assembly members on this issue and we don't think that sounds right so my tip is to check the correct source.
Says physical and mental health issues are both eligible for sick pay
0 -
Apparently the new Workers' Rights Bill will "bolster people’s sick pay, maternity leave and protection against unfair dismissal"
More info on the bill here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/what-does-the-employment-rights-bill-mean-for-you
0 -
Says the bill will:
Give protection against unfair dismissal from day one, while allowing employers to operate probation periods
Establish parental and bereavement leave from day one
End exploitative zero hour contracts
End unscrupulous practices of fire and rehire and fire and replace
Make flexible working the norm where practical
Deliver stronger dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers
Establish a new Fair Work Agency with new powers to enforce holiday pay
Strengthen statutory sick pay
0 -
Also:
Sick pay
The waiting period and lower earnings limit to receive Statutory Sick Pay will be removed.
Currently, to qualify for sick pay, you must have been ill for more than three days in a row and earn an average of at least £123 per week.
Under the plans, employees will be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from the first day they are ill and those earning under £123 per week will also be eligible for it.
You can get £116.75 per week Statutory Sick Pay if you’re too ill to work and it is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. Some can get more if their company has a sick pay scheme.
0 -
@durhamjaide2001 I think you maybe confused here. This thread is about sickness benefits, such as ESA and UC that includes LCWRA element. It's not about employment rights or SSP.
3 -
it's here when you are saying that there's no such thing as servier mental health.
0 -
I think there may have been some miscommunication there Jaide. @Nightcity is not suggesting that mental health cannot be mild. They are just talking about how many people will just dismiss it as mild or not existing even when it is very severe. I share that frustration, having come across it myself in life as well.
0 -
I meant milf mental health I'm sorry I often say the one word but I meant mild I hate it when it happens I believe you can have mild mental health because most people suffer from anxiety and depression but they don't have to go to the doctor about it and I would class that as mild.
0 -
Just because someone may not see a GP that is no indication that their mental health is mild!
4 -
Miscommunication and misunderstanding are okay, it happens when we discuss things.
0 -
When you suffer and I mean suffer from mixed anxiety and depression with severe panic attacks on top decades, with other physical health conditions, also decades and lifelong, when each assessment for Instance floors you,when you are choked by anxiety,rarely leave the house and never alone ,When, just when is your MH considered severe??? I'd love to know.
It's only "mild" if you've no clue to the depth it drives us.
3 -
thank you for clarifying that it's ok.
0 -
that was just an example on how mental health could be mild
0 -
The worry is if they tighten the criteria for WCA
0 -
Thankyou
1
Categories
- All Categories
- 16K Start here and say hello!
- 7.6K Coffee lounge
- 111 Games den
- 1.8K People power
- 171 Announcements and information
- 25.4K Talk about life
- 6.2K Everyday life
- 510 Current affairs
- 2.5K Families and carers
- 877 Education and skills
- 2K Work
- 589 Money and bills
- 3.7K Housing and independent living
- 1.2K Transport and travel
- 649 Relationships
- 1.6K Mental health and wellbeing
- 2.5K Talk about your impairment
- 883 Rare, invisible, & undiagnosed conditions
- 942 Neurological impairments and pain
- 2.2K Cerebral Palsy Network
- 1.3K Autism and neurodiversity
- 41K Talk about your benefits
- 6.1K Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- 20.3K PIP, DLA, ADP & AA
- 9.2K Universal Credit (UC)
- 5.3K Benefits and income