[Ammi]

A grandfather has been found dead after reportedly telling friends he had become distressed by his financial circumstances, compounded by having his Employment and Support Allowance stopped.

Shaun Pilkington, 58, had a been sent a letter informing him his Employment and Support Allowance - which he had been awarded after a long-term illness - would cease, the Mirror reported.

Pilkington told friends he was "unable to cope" as a hearing approached to reassess his eligibility.

Police found him dead in his flat in Beighton.

A neighbour told the Mirror: "It is a tragedy. He was upset because he got a letter saying his ESA was being stopped.

“He was pretty down about it and said he was finding it hard to cope with the decision. He was a lovely man. It is not fair what the Government is doing."

Pilkington was divorced with two children and one grandchild. Police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

In April a coroner ruled Nicholas Barker committed suicide after his benefits were stopped.

And last year, the parents of a man who suffered from epilepsy and died after being stripped of his benefits have blamed his death on the stress of being found 'fit for work'



http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014...6pLid%3D234459

[thesheriff443]

people take their life's for many reasons, its a shame he chose to leave his family due to the fact his benefits may have been cut or stopped.

[Nedusa]

He was an honourable man who was backed into a corner and decided to make a graceful exit....!!!

[joeysteele]

I have been over the past year or more trying to help people having problems with the ATOS/DWP assessments and changes to the benefits being made.
What is being missed is the trauma, the lack of sensitivity and also the time taken to conclude the applications and get the decisions.

By the time you reach asking for them to look at it again or especially to the appeal time, people have already gone through heavy stress, worry and uncertainty waiting for the decision, the form for ESA is downright ridiculous and disgraceful as to some really stupid questions asked on it.In my view really pathetic.

I have come across claimants family, friends and neighbours who help care for claimants, themselves being really worked up and stressed at their dealing with the DWP and ATOS in particular.
Also, a good number of decisions are 'paper' decisions, Despite what Duncan-Smith, likely the most vile politician there is at present in any party,says.
He stated that all claimants would be seen again,they are not, many are having their benefits removed or reduced without being seen at all,just done on a paper decision.
The process goes on for weeks and weeks then moves into months, that is a long time for people who are 'ill' to have to cope with the uncertainty and stress.

My own guess is that this poor man mentioned in the opening post had issues other than likely his benefits problem that may have been instrumental in the ending of his own life too whatever the cause of his death may be, it is likely he will have got extremely clinically depressed at the DWP's decision so it will have been in part a factor as well.
Money worries can make people do really irrational things and help cause unexpected fatal reactions too.

For me, I am not surprised to read of this and other cases like it,this Govt has set out on a necessary reform admittedly of the benefit system but has put in charge of it one of the most extreme, hard hearted and unjust politicians on the planet.
He listens to no one and has with the help of his party in Govt. and the Lib Dems too, put through some of the most unbelievably heartless policies any Govt has ever done.
Sadly all directed against the weakest, poorest and most vulnerable,especially the sick and disabled.

The sooner some Govt. is elected that will look at these reforms and install some heart, understanding and sensitivity to them the better and moreso treat claimants as indivduals with dignity and not cannon fodder for the govts and media discrimination against them.

[Kizzy]

This is the 5th case that can be directly linked to removal of incapacity/sickness benefit as a direct cause of suicide in the UK that I'm aware of, I feel the true figure will be much higher and due to recent news reports it's going to get much worse.

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

This is the 5th case that can be directly linked to removal of incapacity/sickness benefit as a direct cause of suicide in the UK that I'm aware of, I feel the true figure will be much higher and due to recent news reports it's going to get much worse.

There have also been several reported incidents involving people deemed "fit for work" pushing themselves too hard to find work / going back into work (self-employed tradesmen for example taking jobs again) and then ending up hospitalized or dead because they've pushed themselves too hard (in other words, they were clearly NOT fit for work).

My mother has been on disability for the better part of ten years, she has serious degradation of a few vertebrae in her lower back. When she's at her worst, she can barely walk, and is in near-constant agony even on strong painkillers. When she's at her best she can get around fairly well. Of course, she had an ATOS meeting when she was at her best, and her disability was stopped immediately (she was living on Ł50 a week having also been hit with bedroom tax). Of course, she pushed herself a little too hard and her back went, badly. She was then reassessed by them and had her benefits reinstated (and backdated) - so she was lucky, as they're rarely willing to reinstate after they've successfully pushed someone "off the books"... but the point is, she had to go through extreme levels of pain and was off her feet completely for weeks because she was deemed "fit for work", before they would admit that she clearly is not. The assessment system is obscene - and it's geared towards hitting targets, rather than making genuine assessments.

[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

There have also been several reported incidents involving people deemed "fit for work" pushing themselves too hard to find work / going back into work (self-employed tradesmen for example taking jobs again) and then ending up hospitalized or dead because they've pushed themselves too hard (in other words, they were clearly NOT fit for work).

My mother has been on disability for the better part of ten years, she has serious degradation of a few vertebrae in her lower back. When she's at her worst, she can barely walk, and is in near-constant agony even on strong painkillers. When she's at her best she can get around fairly well. Of course, she had an ATOS meeting when she was at her best, and her disability was stopped immediately (she was living on Ł50 a week having also been hit with bedroom tax). Of course, she pushed herself a little too hard and her back went, badly. She was then reassessed by them and had her benefits reinstated (and backdated) - so she was lucky, as they're rarely willing to reinstate after they've successfully pushed someone "off the books"... but the point is, she had to go through extreme levels of pain and was off her feet completely for weeks because she was deemed "fit for work", before they would admit that she clearly is not. The assessment system is obscene - and it's geared towards hitting targets, rather than making genuine assessments.

Spot on and I am really glad to hear at last that your Mother got her benefits re-instated and backdated.
It still doesn't justify the heartless stress she has been forced to go through meantime.

This Govt will have a lot more to answer for yet I feel sure as to these ridiculous and badly planned re-assessments.
For me, I still hope these policies see this lot well and truly turfed out in 2015.
I really hope this is the last full year of this heartless and arrogant bunch of misfits.

[Vicky.]

Been a few cases like this and there will be more as more cuts come in.

They DO need to assess peoples need for disability benefits, that cant be denied. But the tests are just ridiculous and need looked as ASAP. They also need to go on a case by case basis..I have heard of people with progressive illnesses that cant be cured being 'assessed' every year. If their illness WONT go away and will just get worse, whats the point in keep putting them through the 'tests'?

People are scared of ATOS because of how they go on. I don't blame them having been to a couple of assessments myself. The people who check you arent actually qualified to do so, and ask questions such as 'can you hold a pen for 10 seconds'. If you can, you are found fit for work. It is ****ing insane. Yes, these cases tend to get the decision overturned at tribunal (on the tribunal panel there s a REAL doctor who is fit to assess medical needs) but whilst waiting for tribunal their money is cut..backdated when you pass but thats not the point. Plus I heard that they are cutting legal aid for sickness benefit tribunals too.not sure how true that is though. And that is just plain wrong tbh.

[Z]

This is sad. It doesn't say whether he committed suicide or suffered a heart attack or something though? Either way, sounds like he was under a lot of pressure and wasn't coping, poor guy

[Kizzy]

He shot himself, it's in the Mirror article mentioned, funnily there isn't any mention of how he died in the huff post clip.

[Livia]

Poor old sod. What a disgrace...

[smeagol]

and still that cameron struts around with a silver spoon up his arse spouting his junk like he has any clue on the real world.
This goverment is the worst in history. they seem determined to kill of the poor and the sick.

its not good enough. i just wish we as a country would speak out more stand up and do something. like other countries do. no sit in our rooms and read the daily reports of people dying in our own country due to the policies of posh boy and his cronies who are so far removed from reality they think this is the wizzard of woz

[Livia]

Originally Posted by smeagol

and still that cameron struts around with a silver spoon up his arse spouting his junk like he has any clue on the real world.
This goverment is the worst in history. they seem determined to kill of the poor and the sick.

its not good enough. i just wish we as a country would speak out more stand up and do something. like other countries do. no sit in our rooms and read the daily reports of people dying in our own country due to the policies of posh boy and his cronies who are so far removed from reality they think this is the wizzard of woz

What it actually needs is the 60% of eligible voters who can't be bothered to vote, to get off their arses and go to the polling station. If you don't want the Tories in next time, you're going to have to vote to keep them out.

[Gstar]

-glares at david cameron-

[Z]

Originally Posted by Livia

What it actually needs is the 60% of eligible voters who can't be bothered to vote, to get off their arses and go to the polling station. If you don't want the Tories in next time, you're going to have to vote to keep them out.

It really bothers me so much that voter participation is so low in the UK. It should be compulsory to have to vote in my opinion, or face legal repercussions or a fine of some kind.

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Zee

It really bothers me so much that voter participation is so low in the UK. It should be compulsory to have to vote in my opinion, or face legal repercussions or a fine of some kind.

I have a feeling there will be a record turn out at the next General Election.

[Z]

Originally Posted by Cherie

I have a feeling there will be a record turn out at the next General Election.

I seriously hope so. People are so disconnected from politics nowadays it's shocking, most young people don't show the slightest bit of interest yet moan about all the things that are caused by not voting and as a result, a crap government forming... so stupid!

[Kizzy]

They don't want a second term... They have already secured enough wealth and power for the 1% in this last 3yrs, it was never about good governance.

[Livia]

They're desperate for a second term. Conservative HQ is pulling out all the stops, they've already released their campaign toolkit. I think they've become delusional, and what's more, they honestly think they've got a shot. I think the next general election could be the biggest defeat the Tories have ever experienced. They're throwing more campaigners and more cash at the Euro Election in May than I have ever seen them throw at any election because they know they'll get a taste of public feeling from the results, so if you've never voted before, I'd urge everyone to make the effort to vote at the Euros.

I'm not sure they comprehend the strength of feeling, and they particularly don't understand that the party faithful are turning their backs on them in their thousands. Every time David Cameron opens his mouth it's to announce another way they're going to shaft people. I can almost hear the staff who have to put a media-friendly mask on this stuff groaning. I've never been so glad to be away from a job... ever.

[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by Livia

They're desperate for a second term. Conservative HQ is pulling out all the stops, they've already released their campaign toolkit. I think they've become delusional, and what's more, they honestly think they've got a shot. I think the next general election could be the biggest defeat the Tories have ever experienced. They're throwing more campaigners and more cash at the Euro Election in May than I have ever seen them throw at any election because they know they'll get a taste of public feeling from the results, so if you've never voted before, I'd urge everyone to make the effort to vote at the Euros.

I'm not sure they comprehend the strength of feeling, and they particularly don't understand that the party faithful are turning their backs on them in their thousands. Every time David Cameron opens his mouth it's to announce another way they're going to shaft people. I can almost hear the staff who have to put a media-friendly mask on this stuff groaning. I've never been so glad to be away from a job... ever.

That is a fantastic and very insightful post Livia and the sad thing about it too is that it is likely true,every word of it.

It is really sad for me to see politics and politicians at such low trust and a not liked situation.
It is also equally so that for to get those who don't vote to actually get out there and change things,really better choices than we have on offer at present are sorely needed.

I actually don't think it is only the Conservatives who have some delusions as to winning the 2015 election but the Lib Dems also seem in denial, at parliamentary level anyway, at what will happen to them in too 2015.

At least most expected the hard line from the Conservatives,they have really only set out to do what they would have had done if they had won the 2010 election outright.
With a little shaving off of original Conservative policy here and there,not enough to make any major difference, the Lib Dems took the trust and votes of the electorate and used it for one purpose only, not to honour that trust but to get a period of shared govt. and a few miserable ministerial positions.

The Lib dems for me should have been hauled over the coals for the way they threw out just about all their principles and broke promise after promise they made to the people who voted for them,doing so only months after the 2010 election too.

2015 is going to be a really interesting election in my viw.
I just so want to see some compassion and understanding brought in as to policy and to have a Govt that this time will listen and more importantly learn too.

[GiRTh]

One of the ex-offenders on our course committed suicide cuz he thought his benefits was being cut, plus the pressure of trying to find a job after coming out of jail. This seems to happen more than the families with 10 kids claiming 30k plus, funny that the press dont focus on this more.

[smeagol]

they will lose so bad it will be set records , I have never voted but i will as soon as i'm given the chance and will do everything in my power to make others vote. it wont be hard everybody hates them. proper hate.

from civil servants to us peasants lol

[user104658]

There will surely be a record turnout from anyone the Tories have screwed over. Which is anyone earning under a household income of around 60k. Which is basically everyone.

[Z]

Originally Posted by Livia

They're desperate for a second term. Conservative HQ is pulling out all the stops, they've already released their campaign toolkit. I think they've become delusional, and what's more, they honestly think they've got a shot. I think the next general election could be the biggest defeat the Tories have ever experienced. They're throwing more campaigners and more cash at the Euro Election in May than I have ever seen them throw at any election because they know they'll get a taste of public feeling from the results, so if you've never voted before, I'd urge everyone to make the effort to vote at the Euros.

I'm not sure they comprehend the strength of feeling, and they particularly don't understand that the party faithful are turning their backs on them in their thousands. Every time David Cameron opens his mouth it's to announce another way they're going to shaft people. I can almost hear the staff who have to put a media-friendly mask on this stuff groaning. I've never been so glad to be away from a job... ever.

Brilliant post.

[Nemo123]

Originally Posted by joeysteele

I have been over the past year or more trying to help people having problems with the ATOS/DWP assessments and changes to the benefits being made.
What is being missed is the trauma, the lack of sensitivity and also the time taken to conclude the applications and get the decisions.

By the time you reach asking for them to look at it again or especially to the appeal time, people have already gone through heavy stress, worry and uncertainty waiting for the decision, the form for ESA is downright ridiculous and disgraceful as to some really stupid questions asked on it.In my view really pathetic.

I have come across claimants family, friends and neighbours who help care for claimants, themselves being really worked up and stressed at their dealing with the DWP and ATOS in particular.
Also, a good number of decisions are 'paper' decisions, Despite what Duncan Smith, likely the most vile politician there is at present in any party,says.
He stated that all claimants would be seen again,they are not, many are having their benefits removed or reduced without being seen at all,just done on a paper decision.
The process goes on for weeks and weeks then moves into months, that is a long time for people who are 'ill' to have to cope with the uncertainty and stress.

My own guess is that this poor man mentioned in the opening post had issues other than likely his benefits problem that may have been instrumental in the ending of his own life too whatever the cause of his death may be, it is likely he will have got extremely clinically depressed at the DWP's decision so it will have been in part a factor as well.
Money worries can make people do really irrational things and help cause unexpected fatal reactions too.

For me, I am not surprised to read of this and other cases like it,this Govt has set out on a necessary reform admittedly of the benefit system but has put in charge of it one of the most extreme, hard hearted and unjust politicians on the planet.
He listens to no one and has with the help of his party in Govt. and the Lib Dems too, put through some of the most unbelievably heartless policies any Govt has ever done.
Sadly all directed against the weakest, poorest and most vulnerable,especially the sick and disabled.
Money worries can make people do really irrational things and help cause unexpected fatal reactions too.

The sooner some Govt. is elected that will look at these reforms and install some heart, understanding and sensitivity to them the better and moreso treat claimants as indivduals with dignity and not cannon fodder for the govts and media discrimination against them.

I just want to say I have read every word of what you have written.
"Despite what Duncan Smith, likely the most vile politician there is at present in any party,says.
He stated that all claimants would be seen again,they are not, many are having their benefits removed or reduced without being seen at all,just done on a paper decision."