The UK Government is preparing to slash over £6 billion from the welfare budget, with plans to tighten access to disability benefits and cut Universal Credit for those deemed unfit to work. The move has sparked outrage, with critics calling it an “all-out assault” on people with disabilities and health issues, warning of the devastating impact on those already struggling.
The issue came under the spotlight on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, where Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden was grilled on whether it was fair that someone who is sick could receive up to £400 more in benefits per month than someone who is unemployed but looking for work, reported the National Scot.
Defending the changes, McFadden argued: “What’s not fair is for millions of people to be left on long-term sickness benefits with no prospect of work, which is not good for them, and it’s not good for the taxpayer in general.”
Pressed further on whether disability benefits were being targeted, McFadden confirmed: “They will be part of this discussion, yes they will.”
But the government’s stance has sparked a fierce backlash. Many argue that the cuts will disproportionately affect those who are already vulnerable, forcing them into deeper financial hardship.
Social media erupted with criticism, with one user slamming Kuenssberg’s line of questioning: “#BBCLauraK pitching the sick against the unemployed. It’s not the sick vs the unemployed. It’s the super-rich versus the sick, the unemployed, the low-paid, the elderly, people struggling to pay their bills, and everybody else too.”
Another viewer called out the language used, saying: “The term ‘on the sick’ is pejorative and Laura Kuenssberg and the BBC really should do better.”
Disability charities have warned of “catastrophic” consequences, saying the proposed cuts could leave thousands unable to afford essentials like food, rent, and heating. Many fear the reforms will push more people with genuine health conditions into work they are simply not able to do.
The government insists the reforms are about “helping people back into work where possible” and ensuring benefits are fair to both recipients and taxpayers. But for those living with chronic illness or disability, the fear is that these changes will strip away much-needed financial support, leaving them even more isolated and vulnerable.
With the cost-of-living crisis still hitting hard, many are questioning whether now is really the time to be making life harder for those who need help the most.
#BBCLauraK pitching the sick against the unemployed.
— Saul Staniforth (@SaulStaniforth) March 9, 2025
Its not the sick vs the unemployed. Its the super rich versus the sick, the unemployed, the low paid, the elderly, people struggling to pay their bills, and everybody else too. https://t.co/oVmibpIaWJ pic.twitter.com/JeqvteVoTn
