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Mel Stride interview
I thought folks may appreciate this insight into the thinking behind recently announced changes to the WCA.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/03/20/mental-health-culture-has-gone-too-far-says-mel-stride/
A humane and insightful statement by one of the giants of…naaaahhhh, only kidding.
May his constituents propel him onto the pavement with a punt up the posterior.
The Torygraph article is behind a paywall/subscription for me.
Would that Stride were also behind a wall - a prison wall.
There is a Rightsnet summary for the benefit of those who are similarly afflicted with a paywall and unable to read the original - https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/welfare-rights/news/item/labelling-normal-anxieties-as-medical-conditions-holds-people-back-and-drives-up-benefits-bill-says-work-and-pensions-secretary
As well as claiming that people are signed off long term sick for conditions like homesickness and loneliness, I heard a doctor on the Today Programme supporting Stride and saying, without irony, that working for a bad employer or in a bad workplace is still better for you than not working.
There is a Rightsnet summary for the benefit of those who are similarly afflicted with a paywall and unable to read the original - https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/welfare-rights/news/item/labelling-normal-anxieties-as-medical-conditions-holds-people-back-and-drives-up-benefits-bill-says-work-and-pensions-secretary
Cheers Elliot ... although of course we’re also behind a paywall 😐 ...
... have however now set it to ‘open access’ so that everyone can ‘enjoy’
Cheers - Shawn
‘Life’s ups and downs’ Illustrating the relationship between poverty and NHS services:
https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/long-reads/relationship-poverty-nhs-services
[ Edited: 23 Mar 2024 at 08:27 am by shawn mach ]‘Life’s ups and downs’ Illustrating the relationship between poverty and NHS services:
https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/long-reads/relationship-poverty-nhs-services
Thanks for sharing Andy .. have also added to Reports and briefings
Ps - edited above message just to tidy up the link.
Cheers - Shawn
Meanwhile:
Guardian: Longest sustained rise in people too sick to work since 1990s, says thinktank
Here’s the Resolution Foundation report:
‘In an election year, jobs and benefits are often centre stage. Alongside the UK’s stagnant wage growth, there is one big issue that will face the next government: the rises in economic inactivity and health-related benefit claims ...
This rise in economic inactivity has been U-shaped by age: those aged 16-24 and 50-64 account for nine-tenths of the rise in economic inactivity among working-age adults since the end of 2019. And while there are more young people who are economically inactive and in full-time education ... it is the rise in economic inactivity due to long-term sickness that stands out ...
These developments are concerning, first and foremost for the 2.7 million people whose health and living standards are affected. But it is also a worry for the Treasury, with claims for illness- and disability-related benefits rising fast.’
A U-shaped legacy: Taking stock of trends in economic inactivity in 2024
As well as claiming that people are signed off long term sick for conditions like homesickness and loneliness, I heard a doctor on the Today Programme supporting Stride and saying, without irony, that working for a bad employer or in a bad workplace is still better for you than not working.
No doubt (s)he works for ATOS, Capita or Maximus.
I think (s)he should be struck off as (s)he is clearly unfit to practice and is a danger to patients
‘Life’s ups and downs’ Illustrating the relationship between poverty and NHS services:
https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/long-reads/relationship-poverty-nhs-services
Thanks for sharing Andy .. have also added to Reports and briefings
Ps - edited above message just to tidy up the link.
Cheers - Shawn
Thanks Shawn, feel free to edit away, my messy links.