Thread by @sasperillaz

Today I witnessed @JobCentresPlus in action. It wasn’t pretty.

Firstly, my friend (I could not attend unaccompanied) & I were asked to wait. Also waiting was a man who was asking why his benefits had been sanctioned. He hadn’t got credit on his phone to ring them. 1/

The @G4S guy said “that’s not my problem”. Also “calm down” which we know works so well. Claimant lost his cool a bit. He’s getting £150/month. That’s all. And they cut it because he didn’t do what he “should”.

Meanwhile 7/8 staff were watching like it was a show. 2/

My name was called. “Let’s get you away from the entertainment”. I said it’s not exactly entertaining though is it? I was then told that he’s always there, kicking off and causing trouble. I’m sure working there leaves you jaded but no excuse for this. 3/

Led to a desk in the middle of the room. No privacy. Then had to discuss my health & finances where all could hear - demonstrated by the next agent commenting freely on my case. Told I’d get paid #UniversalCredit on 16/3. I asked how much - £350. 4/

I expressed surprise. I have two <16s in the house. Agent suggested I claim #childbenefit - I do. I asked if there was anything else I could claim - informed once work capability had been assessed I might qualify for #disabilitypremium - another £300 or so. 5/

But for that I have to attend another meeting. I asked if I could do this remotely given how difficult I find f2f meetings. She agreed & said she’d request a telephone assessment. It’s been denied. I have to attend. 6/

When I pressed her for more details of amounts, she said “not a clue - your best bet is to contact citizens advice”. So I have to attend appointments to be given vague information, have my privacy violated & watch other clients get mocked. 7/

This is #ToryBrokenBritain

I am ill through work but I can’t live on what I’m being offered. I’m not eligible for #IndustrialIllnessBenefit as I have no incident report on my absence from work. I am too young to claim my pension. 8/

This is NOT what I anticipated. Tory MPs are responding in a clearly officially sanctioned way - “there is a safety net for those who need it”.

If this is the safety net they should use it for dolphin friendly tuna fishing. It contains nothing but holes & I’m falling. 9/

Falling right through the holes. Me & my children. Who will catch us?

#LongCovid #ToriesCostLives #NHSherotozero #ClappedUsThenSackedUs @KeyWorkerPetUK @GeraintDaviesMP @ToniaAntoniazzi @LCNMUK @DWPgovuk