#Beaten up for claiming #benefits - #Poll reveals widespread victimisation of people claiming benefits @WeAllBenefit Claiming benefits has become so stigmatised that hundreds of thousands of claimants have been physically and verbally abused, research reveals. Many also reported difficulty in renting a home, opening a bank account and even getting paid employment because of attitudes towards people on benefits. In a poll carried out by YouGov for the Who benefits? campaign, 15% said they had experienced verbal abuse for claiming benefits, while 4% said theyd been physically abused. One in six said a #landlord or letting agent had refused to let them rent a property, and nearly a fifth said theyd been treated less favourably by a potential employer or had difficulty accessing a bank account or financial services because they were claiming benefits. Many people on benefits are in #work, and when asked about the change that would most improve their situation, the most popular answer was higher pay. Campaigners are calling for an end to shaming benefits claimants and instead focussing on the reasons that they need help, whether thats #LowWages, #unemployment or the #housing shortage. Our benefits system should help people when they fall on difficult times and support them to live with dignity, says Sacks-Jones. Instead, many find themselves isolated and excluded from society.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 13:25:16 +0000
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