{"id":2573,"date":"2020-03-26T14:52:43","date_gmt":"2020-03-26T14:52:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk\/?p=2573"},"modified":"2020-04-10T22:15:08","modified_gmt":"2020-04-10T22:15:08","slug":"workers-sacked-due-to-coronavirus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk\/?p=2573","title":{"rendered":"Workers Sacked Due to Coronavirus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Workers sacked due to coronavirus denied benefits by Universal Credit chaos \u2013 Fight Back!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newly sacked workers are experiencing a kick in the face as they try to claim benefits through the chaotic Universal Credit<\/a> system.  New claimants told the TV news on 25 March they were on the phone for hours without getting any reply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Universal Credit\u2019s \u201conline by default\u201d system has broken down.\u00a0\u00a0Even the government admit on their\u00a0Coronavirus and Claiming Benefits<\/a>\u00a0page\u00a0\u201cUniversal Credit users are experiencing extended waiting times for\u00a0gov.uk<\/a>\u00a0Verify<\/em>\u201c, but\u00a0claimants reported<\/a>\u00a0that in reality the online ID verification system just does not work.\u00a0 Many then believed they were unable to make a claim.\u00a0 In fact the excellent\u00a0Frank Zola blog<\/a>\u00a0has revealed that you can\u00a0still claim Universal Credit without needing to use\u00a0GOV.UK<\/a>\u00a0Verify<\/strong>\u00a0to confirm your identity\/address history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tens of thousands desperately needing support are being left with nothing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As groups like ECAP have long argued the Universal Credit system is deliberately designed to deter claims.  In \u201cnormal\u201d times it can take hours to get a phone response.  The 5 \u2013 6 week for payment is inhuman.  Sanctions<\/a> are a constant threat.  We need to organise; a starting point being to insist the \u00a320 per week increase in Universal Credit be made permanent, but then to aim to stop and scrap Universal Credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CLAIM TO THE SCOTTISH WELFARE FUND<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Claimants in Scotland needing immediate support should also apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund<\/a> via their local Council.  The Scottish Government has more than doubled the funds for the SWF and widened the eligibility to support people hit by coronavirus lay-offs.  Edinburgh Council state<\/a> \u201cIf you are no longer able to work or have had hours reduced, and do not have any savings or other sources of income, we may be able to help.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 So councils SHOULD be making more payments.  In Edinburgh apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund by ringing 0131 529 5299 or online<\/a>. You can apply for a crisis grant or a community care grant plus get a foodbank referral.  If knocked back contact ECAP ecap@lists.riseup.net<\/a> for support and solidarity.  And hassle your local councillors<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ACT NOW TO WIN RE-INSTATEMENT<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Of course while a payment from the Scottish Welfare Fund is an immediate help, in the longer run it is totally inadequate, we need to fight for much more.  As Better than Zero<\/a> say: \u201cACT NOW \u2013 All workers who\u2019ve been fired should get in touch with ex-colleagues and together contact ex-bosses to urgently demand reinstatement and 80% of salary that the government has said you are due.\u201d<\/em>  See this excellent poster at the end of this page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SAVE LIVES \u2013 SHUT DOWN NON-ESSENTIAL WORK<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

To save lives we need to organise to force non-essential work to shut down.  Reel News<\/a> say \u201cWorkers in Britain have already been successfully taking or threatening action over coronavirus, from stopping dismissals, through demanding improved hygiene and protective equipment, to winning full sick pay so that workers can afford to self-isolate.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn some countries workers have already gone further \u2013 striking to force irresponsible employers to shut down non-essential workplaces. More collective action will be needed as government and many employers fail to adequately protect us all.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join this virtual meeting to discuss workplace collective action to slow coronavirus<\/a> on Thursday 26 March 8 \u2013 9.30 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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