Official thread: ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper released Tuesday 26th November
Comments
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Agreed. I've been very disappointed to see such a sharp increase in hostility towards those with mental health issues in recent times. This increase in hostility is no doubt worsened by the huge rise in both government / mainstream media propaganda against those on sickness benefits claiming for mental health issues.
What saddens me even more is that even here on this forum, a place where we're supposed to support one another, I've seen a couple of people claim that mental health issues are ''not a disability.''.
I'm sick and tired of this incessant trivializing and mocking of mental illness. It's shocking that throughout Europe it seems that 21st century Britain is consistently one of the worst offenders for 'brushing under the carpet' the true severity and debilitating nature of mental illness and for treating us as if we're nothing more than a 'burden' on the state and the welfare system.
It's even harder because unlike most physical issues, we often have no 'proof' of our debilitating struggles with our mental health, we could be suffering absolute hell on a daily basis but because we don't have a 'scan' or a 'test result' which shows it on paper, we are often not believed and we have to fight to justify ourselves and at assessments for benefits, etc, we are forced to expose our most vulnerable side and explain in-depth the suffering and immense struggles we endure every day.
Government statistics show that on average in the UK, every 90 minutes a person takes their own life. Mental health issues are not something to be downplayed. Ever.6 -
Yes Remina I agree, it makes me so angry listening to people in the media saying that a job would be good for people with anxiety and depression, just trivialising it as a temporary thing, bit of CBT then off to work you go.
I'd love for some of these media people and politicians to only for an hour experience some of the stuff we go through day to day because as you say we habe have 'no proof' of how we are, maybe my scars are a little but I'd expect them to call it attention seeking or something.. The suicide rate is huge, can't they see that as proof of the problem, bit of CBT for someone suicidal ffs.
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I agree it's a living hell minute by minute the dark thoughts it feels like someone's pushing my shoulders down falling to the ground it lies torments bullies you tells you your worthless no one likes you a failure a burden your alive but life less going to the toilet is an effort like walking through sinking mud getting no where having o energy to face anyone the world is a scary place your stuck unable to move mentally physically reaching for a way out but you have kids dogs that need you feeling your letting them down it's constant like being in a abusive relationship and every minute your brain screaming so get hooked on alcohol medication to quite the mind but it's thier no therapy on tablets work and the mental pain causes physical pain all over body and then can be the rages the anger towards people feeling letdown from one emotion to the other the burnout the tiredness but can't rest the anxiety that kicks you so hard you can't breath the panic that leaves you terrorised like bad things going to happen the shakes from fear hiding in bed thinking only safe place but there is no safe place people gaslighting you saying pull yourself together who chooses a life like that !!!! Mental health has and is ruined my life if I see people same age as me bought own homes had successful relationships Jobs and no matter how you try to be like that it causes more mental pain so to whoever said mental health is less of a disability thankgod you never suffered
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We won't know anything until Spring. So I am not giving this any more head space. I am not worrying for the next five months.
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Starmer’s Plan to Push Long Term Sick Into Work Risks ‘Devastating Deterioration’ of Conditions Costing Even More in the Long Run
https://bylinetimes.com/2024/12/11/starmers-plan-to-push-long-term-sick-into-work-risks-devastating-deterioration-of-conditions-costing-even-more-in-the-long-run/
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Hi all,
Just a quick note from me: I know it’s rough out there right now, especially with the attitudes towards disabled people being as they are.
If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or completely overwhelmed, please remember that there are places that can help. Mind has loads of resources for mental health, and you can call the Samaritans for free any time on 116 123—they’re always there to listen. If you’re stressed about money or benefits, Citizens Advice can be really useful.
It’s okay to feel like this, but please make sure to look after yourselves, yeah? And don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.
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Yes it is a very difficult time of year, all the xmas stuff can do one, since my dog died and both parents very unwell dealing with it on the on my own and the worry of what may happen in the spring.
Surely the worst possible instances have to go through parliament and there will surely be mp's that aren't heartless towards us disabled people.. So annoys me that the amount of bonuses wealthy people get, foreign aid to countries that are wealthy anyway and or corrupt. Why not focus on people on jsa that have no intentions of doing anything. Are they going to drag people out of hospitals to work.
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Do you think thier doing after local elections ? Deliberately so we still vote for our local labour mps
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Local elections are for local councillors , I think Mps are general elections, I wouldn't vote for my MP again,
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@Catherine21 Local elections give an idea of how popular central government policy is. When a Council is won or lost tells an MP how he/she might fair in a General Election. I have a good Labour councillor but I'd be tempted to vote Green to give this government a shock.
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Think I will be doing the same t
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Same as mine he doesn't even live in the area
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The press have now done it, seen two interviews asking ministers to name a company who is promoting work from home for people with health problems, they were pushed and refused to name a single company, also seen a similar interview for employers agreeing with the new employment laws, they just make stuff up.
Ironically the 3 steps you put in was the Tories plan, descriptors for new claimants changed in 2025, then complete removal of LCWRA from everyone by 2029, to be replaced PIP health top up. (the latter would be equal cash support but not effect obligations for work related activity).
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I've just caught up with this thread. I still am frustrated that there's nothing in government rhetoric at the moment - or from charities and organisations supporting disabled people, Scope included - addressing disabled people who already work, and the lack of job security. The idea of getting disabled people into work is pointless if another slew of disabled people are being made redundant at the same time because we're in temporary contracts or working in local government, where disability accessibility is better but where funding is constantly being cut.
I can't work full time, but I can work, and I do work. However, for me, the barrier with employment is getting through the interview and being considered for the job. Interviews discriminate SO MUCH against ND candidates and I've suffered from this time and time again. I have to make personal sacrifices and jump through additional hoops just to get to a point where I'm considered for a temporary contract, then potentially the whole rigmarole begins again. But still, all I hear in the media is the narrative of disabled people not working and how wonderful it would be if they all did…I feel like if there was more balanced reporting about disabled people already in employment, there might be less negative energy spent on people who can't work, as well. Because right now a lot of people out there think no disabled people are working at all, and that all disability benefits are "compensation" for not having a job. This is so far from the truth its painful - people either work or can't work, some claim benefits and some don't. But it's frustrating that in all of this discussion, literally nobody is interested in those of us already in work and in desperate need of protection and support.
I also agree that people with invisible disabilities, including mental illness but also neurodiversity and others, are taking the majority of the backlash and that that backlash is here on this forum as well.
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Following on from what @Amaya_Ringo has just said, I'd also wondered how many disabled people do work, & how many like myself worked until they had to retire early due to their disability/were now retired after working their whole life. This had followed on from @MW123 previously asking how many disabled people like themselves are actually working, but there was no response from Scope.
A while back Scope said that there were 1 million disabled people who would like to work so I wondered if that was an up to date figure.
I listened to the Work & Pensions Committee meeting held last month. In that it was said that the Office for National Statistics had just said that there were 2.8 million people out of work with a long term health condition.
Liz Kendall then said that there are 4 million disabled people working with a health limiting condition according to official reports, & that 2+ million disabled people hope to work if appropriate work could be found with reasonable adjustments.
So, unfortunately Scope's data about disabled people who would like to work is only half of the real figure, & they really should update their 'facts,' & it shows that their are more disabled people working than not. Scope should be emphasizing this point in any of their discussions with the govt, as I think Amaya would agree.
Definitely the media's narrative is wrongly skewed.
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I just self harmed myself because of some of the comments the people have been making about the disabled online.
Let's withdraw benefits was some of the comments people was making, others was saying, ration for them, and make everything on benefits vouchers, some really cruel suggestions. It makes me angry these comments.
I just wanted to respond to every one of them, but resisted my temptation to do so. People think being disabled and on benefits is fun it isn't. I'm in constant pain all day mentally and I can never ever feel comfortable or happy.
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Please don't read or listen to these comments, they are ignorant. They have no understanding of what it's like to be disabled. The media fuels this unfortunately. Take time for yourself and focus on you. Take care
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You're right, these statistics should be central to discussions with the government and the media. James Taylor’s response to Isabel Oakeshott’s comments in November missed an important opportunity to address the employment status of disabled people. While he acknowledged the barriers they face, he overlooked the fact that many disabled individuals are actively employed.
Chiarieds as you pointed out, some disabled people have had to retire early or after a lifetime of work, while others contribute through volunteering. Their efforts deserve recognition. Had Taylor highlighted that PIP helps cover the extra costs of living with a disability, regardless of employment status, his statement would have been more effective.
A more impactful response would have included data on the employment rates of PIP recipients, showcasing their resilience and contributions. By focusing on both progress and challenges, Scope can advocate for policies that support the employment aspirations of disabled people and ensure proper support for those unable to work. This approach would foster a more inclusive job market and challenge harmful stereotypes about disability.
While Taylor's statement effectively defends benefits and challenges damaging language, it misses an opportunity to highlight the contributions of disabled individuals who are working or volunteering. Recognising these contributions would have strengthened his message, demonstrating that, when given the opportunity, disabled people are valuable members of the workforce.
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I understand it's cruel mental torture these people not relize the harm thied words cause and some are just cruel the funny thing is people don't have the mind to think this could happen to them at any don't listen to them we can all support each other x
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Its all very odd, none of these figures have credibility, and there is a game of chinese whispers between Scope and the DWP currently.
By the time anything is public the "decision has been made, nothing left to consult, discuss".
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