Government 'planning new benefits cut'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ministers are considering slashing £71-a-week from the income of sick and disabled benefit claimants if they refuse to take part in work-related activities, it was reported last night.
The move planned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is designed to reduce weekly Employment Support Allowance by up to 70 per cent to those who won't try to get back into the workplace, according to The Guardian.
The cut would represent more than a doubling of the current maximum penalty of £28.15 that can be imposed. A leaked draft letter to claimants warns claimants money will be lost if they fail to "attend and take part in work-focused interviews" or to "carry out work-related activities that your adviser asks you to do, without a good reason".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments