Latest editorial
HOLYROOD backbenchers demanded a review yesterday of the Con-Dems’ savage sanctions for benefit claimants.
Harsh new rules ushered in by Tory Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith threaten jobseekers with 16-week benefits suspensions for reasons ranging from leaving a job voluntarily to failing to attend an interview with as little as 24 hours’ notice.
Scottish parliament welfare reform committee convenor Michael McMahon slammed the scheme as “broken” as he launched a report recommending an overhaul.
DYLAN MURPHY reports that far from helping people back into work, the sanctions regime is inflicting unnecessary trauma on working-class families
Labour will find increases in the state pension age are unacceptable, just as cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance, personal independence payments and universal credit are — it needs to change direction immediately, writes PCS general secretary FRAN HEATHCOTE
