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UK Government's benefits move 'cruel and cowardly', says Lagan Valley MP

The article discusses the UK government's decision to move benefits claimants from the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system, a change criticized by Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as "cruel and cowardly." This shift, part of the Health and Disability White Paper, aims to encourage more people with disabilities or health conditions into employment by assessing their capability for work differently. Critics, including Sir Jeffrey, argue that this could lead to many vulnerable individuals losing essential financial support, as PIP has stricter eligibility criteria. The move has sparked concerns about the potential negative impact on those with severe disabilities or long-term health conditions, with fears that it might force them into unsuitable work or leave them without adequate support. The government, however, insists that the changes are designed to better support disabled people into work, with new initiatives like the Universal Support programme to aid employment.

Read the Full NorthernIrelandWorld Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-gb/politics/government/uk-government-s-benefits-move-cruel-and-cowardly-says-lagan-valley-mp/ar-AA1BhvlI ]