‘Absurd’: Laura Trott Blasted For Saying Disabled People Must Do ‘Their Duty’ By Working From Home

A Conservative minister is dealing with a backlash for suggesting individuals with mobility and psychological well being issues ought to do “their responsibility” by working from dwelling.

The feedback by Laura Trott, the chief secretary to the Treasury, got here as the federal government is predicted to announce plans to pressure these with psychological well being or mobility issues to seek out work they will do from dwelling, or danger shedding their welfare funds.

Trott dismissed issues over the welfare shake-up, saying that those that can “ought to work” – arguing there was a “responsibility on residents” to take action.

The incapacity equality charity Scope led the criticism of the “absurd” feedback, and accused the minister of “dehumanising” disabled individuals.

Rishi Sunak is ready to make adjustments to the “unsustainable” welfare system, with cash saved from a advantages crackdown probably to assist pay for tax cuts in Jeremy Hunt’s autumn assertion on Wednesday.

In a put up on X, Scope mentioned: “Disabled individuals wouldn’t have an obligation to work unsuitable jobs. Let’s get that clear. The federal government *does* have an obligation to not dehumanise the million disabled individuals who need to work however are denied the possibility. It’s an obligation the federal government is failing on

“Laura Trott’s feedback in the present day are absurd. It’s fully irresponsible to counsel that people who find themselves unwell have an obligation to work via it. Feedback like this gas a harmful narrative. One which demonises disabled individuals, and paints them as burdens on the taxpayer.

“The suggestion that disabled individuals can merely do business from home is completely impractical too. You solely want to check out the DWP job website reveals how few vacancies provide absolutely distant working as an possibility.”

It went on: “These feedback come on the eve of the autumn assertion, the place the chancellor is predicted to announce a ‘advantages crackdown’. However we’ve had a long time of tightening sanctions, and it has by no means labored. The federal government’s personal analysis reveals that sanctions are counterproductive.”

Pressed in regards to the adjustments, Trott had informed Sky Information: “I believe that in case you can work as a precept, it is best to work, and that’s what the federal government believes. That’s been the thrust of all of our insurance policies.

“In fact, there ought to be help for individuals to assist them into work or to assist them with points that they’re dealing with, however in the end, there’s a responsibility on residents that if they’re able to exit to work, that’s what they need to do.”