WIREDGOV

Commenting on figures published yesterday (Thursday) by the Department of Work and Pensions, which show that between 2011 and 2014 over 2,300 people died shortly after losing their claim for Employment Support Allowance and being declared 'fit for work', TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“We urgently need an enquiry into the government’s back-to-work regime. These disturbing findings cannot be swept under the carpet.

“The fact that more than 80 people are dying each month shortly after being declared ‘fit for work’ should concern us all. These deaths relate to just one benefit – Employment Support Allowance.

“We need a welfare system that supports people to find decent jobs not one that causes stress and ill health.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• The statistics on back-to-work deaths can be found on page 8 of yesterday’s DWP release: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/fil...
• The TUC advises that anyone worried about themself, friends or family should contact the Samaritans -http://www.samaritans.org/
• All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
• Follow the TUC on Twitter: @tucnews 
• Congress 2015 will be held in the Brighton Centre from Sunday 13 September to Wednesday 16 September. Free media passes can be obtained by visiting www.tuc.org.uk/MediaCredentials2015 and completing an online form. Applications must be in by noon on Tuesday 25 August. Any received later than that will be processed in Brighton and will cost £75.

Contacts:

Media enquiries:

Alex Rossiter  T: 020 7467 1285  M: 07887 572130  E: arossiter@tuc.org.uk
Clare Santry  T: 020 7467 1372  M: 07717 531150  E: csantry@tuc.org.uk
Kay Atwal (Thur and Fri)  T: 020 7467 1385  M: 07941 547469  E: katwal@tuc.org.uk