Turn2us delivers open letter to Pat McFadden

On 29 January, we delivered an open letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, calling on him to make our social security system one that promotes dignity, trust, and hope. 

Most of us will need the social security system at some point in our lives. When we do, we should be able to trust that the system will support us and help us avoid crisis. But right now, the system is failing us instead of protecting us. 

The process of accessing support is too often exhausting and overwhelming. People who need support are treated with suspicion and even hostility. Every day, we hear from people who are left feeling ashamed, undeserving and stuck.  

This has a devastating impact for our health, wellbeing and financial security - over half of people claiming support say the process made their mental health worse. And this just makes it harder to recover from illness or take the next step in our careers.  

The Government’s reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and employment support provide a crucial opportunity to ensure our social security system promotes dignity, respect and independence. Nearly 2,500 people added their name to our letter, urging Pat McFadden to take that opportunity. 

Lucy Bannister, Head of Policy and Influencing said:  

"If we lose our job, become unwell or have a disability, our social security system should give us stability and support so we can get on with our lives. But right now, too often people are treated with suspicion and hostility in the Jobcentre and assessments, leaving them feeling small and worsening their health. This knocks people’s confidence and means many people are too scared of the DWP to engage productively in employment support. 

"Pat McFadden has a rare opportunity to rewrite the story. By centring reforms around building trust and treating people with dignity and respect, we can build a social security system that better supports people to find new jobs and to live well with a disability."