Protests outside Salford Job Centre, off Churchill Way, have been a pretty regular occurrence over the past few years but this Wednesday 9th March sees a National Day of Action, with direct action taking place all over Greater Manchester to protest at unfair benefit sanctions and the devastating impact they have on people.
"It's in opposition to the Department of Work and Pensions continued onslaught against benefits claimants through sanctions" says Chris McBride of Unite Community which is organising the Day
"Thousands of benefits claimants have had their benefits stopped for months at a time and the reasons given include 'late signing on', in many cases just one or two minutes, and late signing due to claimants proven attendance at job interviews and funerals" he adds "Around eighty per cent of appeals against sanctioning have, in these circumstances, proven successful, though much research has exposed many claimants reluctance to appeal for fear of rejection, and even victimisation.
"Suicides and sickness have been the result of benefits sanctions according to many" he explains "Deaths commonly seen as directly related to benefits sanctions include David Clapson, Stephanie Bottrill, Victor Cuff, Jacqueline Harris, and many more."
In Salford, 10.7% of Job Seekers Allowance claimants have received sanctions according to a report by Sheffield Hallam University and Crisis. Salford is now the 11th worst area in the country for this. The report states that, "the sanctions rate has increased dramatically", leading to food poverty, survival crime, family/relationship tensions, mental and physical health problems, fuel poverty, debt and possible homelessness.
As well as Unite Community, the Day of Action is backed by Disabled People Against Cuts, Unite the Union, Boycott Workfare and the TUC. There's also a rally at Piccadilly Gardens between 2pm and 4pm.
For further details see Unite Against Sanctions Facebook page click here
See also previous Salford Star articles...
Salford Benefits Sanctions Protest click here
Over 10% of Salford Benefits Claimants Sanctioned click here
Suicides Linked to Work Capability Assessments click here
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