For Disability History Month, I hosted a ‘drop in’ session with UNISON. MPs were invited to hear from workers about the vital importance of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for disabled people in work. MPs were asked to make sure that disabled people in work have their voices heard in the Government’s welfare review. 

The session was attended by over 15 MPs, including Sir Stephen Timms (pictured below with Katrina Gilman, UNISON’s national officer for disability equality), the Minister for Social Security and Disability and co-chair of the Timms Review, which has been set up to look at PIP. 

I spoke to UNISONs about their recent welfare reform survey of over 3,000 members who are directly affected by the reforms. The workers are concerned about the government’s proposed changes to PIP, particularly the shift to a new points-based eligibility test. 

The survey reveals the essential role PIP plays in enabling disabled people to work: 

• 60% of respondents use PIP to pay for travel – including commuting – because they cannot drive, use public transport, or afford to run a car 

• 46% use it to pay for medication, despite the misconception that PIP automatically grants free prescriptions 

• 66% use PIP to buy food that is easy to prepare after a full working day 

When asked whether losing the daily living component would affect their ability to work three quarters said yes. 

The survey included candid accounts of what changes to welfare means for their working lives. Many warned that losing support would push them out of employment, increase pressure on already stretched NHS services, or leave them unable to maintain basic independence at home. 

The testimonies make clear that welfare reform doesn’t only affect those not in work – it can be a lifeline enabling thousands of disabled people to remain in employment. 

I voted against the government’s planned welfare cuts, and I will continue to advocate for a strong, universal social security system.  

Watch my speech here  

Together with UNISON, I am calling for: 

• Disabled workers to be fully involved in the government’s welfare review

• A fair, person-centred assessment system that reflects real-life needs

• Recognition of how PIP links to other essential entitlements, including Blue Badges and carers’ payments 

Find out more: Welfare reform must involve disabled people – UNISON National