Disabled Life

Universal credit migration and the death of David Panther June 4, 2026
An autistic circus skills teacher took his own life after becoming increasingly distressed by the bureaucratic chaos caused by his “migration” to universal credit, which led to him facing a new £500 monthly charge for his social care package. David Panther (pictured) […]
John Pring
DWP secretly exposes 150,000 PIP claimants to new assessment system that is ‘recipe for disaster’ June 4, 2026
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is secretly testing sweeping new rules – described as a “recipe for disaster” – on disability benefit assessments, which will reduce the influence of healthcare professionals and hand greater responsibility to civil servants. The new […]
John Pring
Supreme Court ruling set to remove vital safeguards for hundreds of thousands of disabled people June 4, 2026
Campaigners have expressed “deep concern” over a ruling by the Supreme Court that could “fundamentally” alter the lives of hundreds of thousands of disabled people who rely on the health and social care systems. This week’s ruling has over-turned a 2014 decision […]
John Pring
Milburn’s ‘participation-first’ NEETs report omits years of evidence linking DWP with deaths June 4, 2026
A high-profile report by former Labour minister Alan Milburn suggests he will recommend more young disabled people must engage with employment support and face sanctions if they fail to do so, but ignores the safeguarding risks of such a strategy. Milburn’s interim […]
John Pring
Minister is asked why he expects disabled people to fund their own PIP review engagement events June 4, 2026
The disability minister has been asked why he appears to have provided no funding for a plan to increase engagement among disabled people and their organisations with his review of the personal independence payment (PIP) system. Sir Stephen Timms announced plans in […]
John Pring
Disabled activists share stories of ‘burnout’ after years of fighting oppression and hostility June 4, 2026
Disabled activists have come together to share ideas for how they can overcome the growing problem of “burnout” experienced by members of the disabled people’s movement who have spent years fighting oppression and hostility. Friday’s event was hosted by disabled activist-academic Emma […]
John Pring
Government research shows activists were right to warn of impact of DWP work advisers on mental distress May 28, 2026
New government research has proved disabled activists were right to warn that receiving employment advice on top of NHS talking therapy would push many people with mental distress further away from the jobs market. Mental health system survivors, anti-cuts activists and allies […]
John Pring
EHRC’s ‘heart-breaking and disgraceful’ failure to name its one disabled commissioner May 28, 2026
The equality watchdog has appointed just one disabled person to its board of commissioners, but it has been heavily criticised for refusing to reveal their identity. In recent months, Bridget Phillipson, Labour’s minister for women and equalities (and also the education secretary), […]
John Pring
Government faces legal action after claimant is refused entry to PIP tribunal because of his assistance dog May 28, 2026
A disabled man plans to take legal action against the Ministry of Justice after his benefit tribunal hearing had to be postponed when a judge banned him from bringing in his assistance dog. Thomas Thorp, from Coventry, was attempting to appeal a […]
John Pring
Serious questions over DWP pilot scheme at heart of ministers’ jobs strategy May 28, 2026
The government is facing serious questions over the success of a key employment support scheme, after its own research showed the NHS organisations running its pilot projects fell far short of their targets for recruiting disabled people. Ministers frequently point to WorkWell […]
John Pring

Dis Life: ‘I like to move it, move it – but I can’t due to lack of sense on transport’

Disabled people cut off from energy supply

Dis Life: ‘Avert your eyes from Prince Harry and fix them back on the decimated NHS’

New DWP scheme may enable claimants to get refund of already paid back Universal Credit hardship payments

Labour will guarantee Disabled people moving into work a return to benefits with the need for reassessment

Dis Life: ‘I like to move it, move it – but I can’t due to lack of sense on transport’

Disabled people cut off from energy supply

Dis Life: ‘Avert your eyes from Prince Harry and fix them back on the decimated NHS’

New DWP scheme may enable claimants to get refund of already paid back Universal Credit hardship payments

Labour will guarantee Disabled people moving into work a return to benefits with the need for reassessment

DR UK backs rail staff cuts campaigners

Smart tech rail ticket machines not fit for Disabled people

DFE figures show teachers are leaving the profession

Prime Minister proposes Maths until 18

Access to work wait times leading to lost jobs