We're all scroungers in ConDem nation

I do not blog much at the moment as it is quite painful typing due to nerve problems in my arms, but I was so outraged this morning when I learnt about the latest Tory attack on benefits that I was moved to comment.

A Tory backed review has called for patients on sick notes to face independent assessment after being off work sick for more than 4 weeks.  Judging by the welcoming noises the government have made they are keen to follow this through.

Already the government have been attacking those on long term disability support, with rhetoric which infers that many of those on benefits are bogus and don't need support.

In my 21 years of work I have been written off as sick for over 4 weeks on a couple of occasions.  Once was for a serious break to the arm which resulted in being in a cast for 6 weeks, the other time involved 2 discs in my neck pressing on nerves causing serious pain in my back and arm which made in near impossible to sit down at a desk or use a computer, which is 95% of my job.  These are just two examples of justified absence from work, there are hundreds of other genuine examples such as cancer, serious injury, major operations to name but a few.  Why should the thousands of people in this position be forced to face an inquisition to see if their illness/injury is a valid case for absence.  Your own GP is in the best position to judge this.

As well as the physical examples of injury mentioned above, many ask their GP for time off work due to depression and stress.  What worries me is that this is exactly the sort of condition these measures are aimed at attacking.  The result will mean that many people will feel intimidated into returning to work before 4 weeks so that they don't have to face this assessment, even when they are not well enough to be returning to a work environment.  This could result in a worsening of their condition, and could even contribute to an increase in severe mental health conditions and suicide.

I hope the Labour Party see this aggressive approach for managing health problems for what it is and oppose any such bill which is put before parliament.

Government threatens benefits for alcoholics

BBC News reported today:

Alcoholics face having their benefits docked if they do not get treatment, under government plans.

Minister James Purnell has announced a review into the idea to be carried out jointly by the Department of Health and Department for Work and Pensions.

This once again highlights the governments attack on the benefits system pandering to the likes of the Daily Mail.

Alcoholism is an illness and it is simplistic to think that people will simply stop drinking because their benefits are risk. The real risk is that those who cannot stop drinking could end up on the streets through lack of income.