TUC calls for urgent enquiry after back-to-work deaths revealed

date: Thursday 27 August 2015
embargo: For immediate release

Commenting on figures published today (Thursday) by the Department of Work and Pensions, which show that between 2011 and 2014 over 2,300 people died shortly after losing their claim for Employment Support Allowance and being declared 'fit for work', TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“We urgently need an enquiry into the government’s back-to-work regime. These disturbing findings cannot be swept under the carpet.

“The fact that more than 80 people are dying each month shortly after being declared ‘fit for work’ should concern us all. These deaths relate to just one benefit – Employment Support Allowance.

“We need a welfare system that supports people to find decent jobs not one that causes stress and ill health.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The statistics on back-to-work deaths can be found on page 8 of today’s DWP release:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/fi…
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