The DWP has plans to reform the way Universal Credit and ESA claimants are judged to be too sick for work, and too sick for work related activity. This includes going through a public consultation exercise before changing the law next year. In addition to gathering online comments from individuals, the Government organised meetings around…Read moreRead more
sanctions
DWP Sham Consultation on Work Capability Assessment Reform
Declaration of Resistance to Universal Credit
ECAP are encouraged that people came out in the rain on 28 November to demonstrate at Leith jobcentre against Universal Credit. Sisters Uncut, Oficina Precaria and other groups supported the demo too. Universal Credit increases poverty, homelessness and misery. It massively increases the scope and length of sanctions. It attacks the disabled, young people, women,…Read moreRead more
Stop Sanctions Demo is a Success
Despite officials from Unite The Union trying to cancel Unite involvement in the protest at HIgh Riggs jobcentre – reportedly due to a request by the local PCS who said one of their workers had been threatened earlier in the week by an individual – the 30th March Day of Action against sanctions went ahead…Read moreRead more
I Daniel Blake…
Groups round Scotland and beyond are organising community showings of the new Ken Loach film I DANIEL BLAKE, aiming to involve more people in grass-roots resistance to austerity, including solidarity accompanying to benefits appointments and assessments. Below is the text of a leaflet which ECAP has produced and is distributing at showings. I DANIEL BLAKE…… Shows…Read moreRead more
Huge Rise in JSA Sanctions as Government Cranks up its Attacks
A recent Citizens Advice Bureau Scotland briefing has reported a rise of 459% in sanctions against JSA claimants in a 2 year period. Between October 2008 and October 2010, the number of sanctions against JSA claimants increased from 10,700 a month to almost 60,000 as a result of some Jobcentre Plus offices setting targets for sanction referrals for JCP staff to achieve. That’s…Read moreRead more