SNP and Scottish Labour slam UK Government approach to welfare

The SNP and Scottish Labour have both called for a new approach to welfare following reports that staff in the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have been given guidance on how to respond to claimants threatening suicide.

It comes following reports in the Sunday Herald that (DWP) staff are being made to carry out risk assessments without formal training.

While the SNP said the current system drive people into, “unimaginable despair by punitive sanctions”, Scottish Labour warned: “Government policies should not be pushing people into a position where they feel they have nothing left to live for”.

RELATED CONTENT

Liberty to become 'more active' on Scottish civil liberty issues

Citizens Advice warns of growing crisis of low pay and poor working conditions

SNP MSP Dennis Robertson said: “That the UK Government are issuing suicide guidance to their frontline staff is an acknowledgement by them of the devastating impact of their social security cuts on people’s lives - it’s not new guidance they need, it’s a new approach.

“We need a social security system that treats people with dignity and respect – a system where people are supported into healthier, happier lives not driven to unimaginable despair by punitive sanctions.

“The research from NHS Scotland shows that even modest increases in the income of people on benefits can have a dramatic impact on their health and can ultimately prevent premature deaths. The SNP recognise this and opposed cuts to tax credits made in this year’s UK budget – while Labour sat on their hands.

“With the link between health and income clearer than ever, the UK Government must listen to the call for wider welfare devolution so that our health and social security systems can work together to improve people’s lives - rather than one undermining the other.”

Scottish Labour’s Equality Spokesperson, Jenny Marra MSP, said: “The Tory’s welfare cuts have hit some of the most vulnerable people across Scotland – many who are struggling to find work and are suffering because of an unfair sanctions regime.

“Government policies should not be pushing people into a position where they feel they have nothing left to live for. People who are out of work, or unable to work, need support to get back into a job.

“People in crisis need proper support and counselling, and while DWP staff can do what they can to help, they shouldn’t be put in a situation where they are expected to do the job of a counsellor or psychologist.”