The article details the tragic case of Jodey Whiting, a vulnerable disabled woman who took her own life in 2017 after the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) wrongly terminated her disability benefits. Whiting, who suffered from severe mental and physical health issues, was deemed fit for work after failing to attend a Work Capability Assessment, which she didn’t receive. As a result, her Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) was stopped.
The article highlights the DWP’s systemic failings and its callous treatment of vulnerable individuals. Despite knowing about Whiting’s serious health problems, the DWP failed to follow proper procedures and ignored evidence that she was too unwell to work. This led to significant financial hardship and emotional distress for Whiting, ultimately contributing to her suicide.
A 2021 independent inquiry found multiple failings by the DWP, including a lack of empathy, poor communication, and a failure to follow its own safeguarding guidelines. The article points to the broader context of austerity measures and benefit cuts that have put immense pressure on disabled people and those with chronic illnesses. The article also references other similar cases, suggesting a pattern of neglect and mistreatment within the DWP, fueling calls for a public inquiry into deaths linked to the DWP’s actions and failings. Jodey’s mother continues to campaign for disabled people.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/06/13/jyaq-j13.html