Thousands die shortly after being declared 'fit for work'

2,380 people have died within 14 days of being taken off employment and support allowance and being declared “fit to work” by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Between December 2011 and February 2014 the equivalent of around 90 citizens a month died, leading to heavy criticism of the Conservative policies. Ian Duncan Smith, DWP Secretary, was quoted citing work as a cure for all illness. In a speech to his party, he declared: “There is one area on which I believe we haven't focused on enough - how work is good for your health. Work can help keep people healthy as well as help promote recovery if someone falls ill.

“So, it is right that we look at how the system supports people who are sick and helps them into work.”

Campaigners have labelled the policy as “tragic”, calling on the Freedom of Information Act for the actual figures to be released to the general public. Of the 2,380 people, 1,340 died after appealing the government’s decision to sever all aid.