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Disabled workers’ call for government U-turn on benefits cuts

Members of the Community trade union’s National League of the Blind and Disabled (NLBD) have added their voice to calls for the government to think again about cuts to benefits for disabled people that were announced in the Budget on Wednesday.

Representatives of disabled workers from across the UK discussed the impact the proposed reduction in Personal Independence Payments would have at a meeting of the NLBD’s National Committee in Rotherham today.

Robert Mooney, Chair of the NLBD, who works at RSBi, a supported employment business in Glasgow, said:

“Once again, disabled people are paying the price so the Chancellor can give tax breaks to the rich.

“These changes will be the straw that will break the camel’s back for many of our members who face challenges in securing employment or access to health and care services.

“This comes on top of cuts to local authority budgets, which disproportionately affect disabled people in accessing vital services.

“Disabled people have a right to expect the same levels of care and consideration in all aspects of life. But this is yet another clear and sustained attack on us.

“Two thirds of the revenue raised for George Osborne’s giveaway Budget will come from the cuts to disabled people’s benefits. It’s no wonder that it’s even proving unpopular amongst Tory backbenchers and there are already hints at a U-turn.

‘The government should step back from these changes, which have made so many of our members worried for their futures. Disabled people don’t want favours they want fairness but these proposals are fundamentally unfair.’

Ends.

Notes:

1. The National League of the Blind and Disabled is a section of the Community trade union and was first established in 1899.
2. NLBD members are mostly employed in supported employment businesses across the UK.

Further information: Matt Ball 07799 772250