Sir Menzies Campbell MP has expressed concern about reports that people with cancer are being threatened with benefit cuts if they do not attend back-to-work interviews.
A report by two charities, Macmillan Cancer Support and Citizens Advice, has found the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) process, which was introduced in October 2008 to encourage ‘job ready’ people to return to work, is failing seriously ill and disabled people.
Commenting, Sir Menzies said:
“It is unacceptable that people who are undergoing exhausting chemotherapy or radiotherapy or suffering terminal cancer should be expected to attend work-focused interviews to secure benefits. People coping with cancer should not have to worry about benefits which are due to them by right.
“A lack of understanding about cancer and the effects of its treatment combined with poor knowledge of the ESA system means cancer sufferers are at risk of financial hardship. Applying some common sense to the system would go a long way.â€
