DWP call centre advisers get training on how to counsel suicidal claimants amid increasing benefit cuts
It has been revealed that Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) advisors are being given training on how to deal with claimants threatening suicide and self harm.
The guidelines are part of a six-point plan designed to help staff deal with unsuccessful applicants for Universal Credit who are threatening to hurt themselves or take their own life, it has been reported.
Politicians north and south of the border said the existance of the guidance is an acknowledgement people were being driven to despair by the current benefits regime.
It comes as new figures from the NHS Scotland suggest even modest increases in benefit rates could prevent thousands of hospitalisations and premature deaths every year.
An assessment on how employment and income affected health found that a mere 10% increase in Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) would result in 17,000 fewer hospitalisations over 10 years.
The same research suggested there would be 26,000 fewer years of life lost to premature death if there was an income rise.
SNP MSP Dennis Robertson said it wasn’t guidance that was needed, but a total new approach to avoid unnecessary deaths in future.
We need a social security system that treats people with dignity and respect - Dennis Robertson
"The evidence shows that there is a clear link between a person's income and their health and wellbeing - particularly their mental health," he said.
"That the UK government are issuing suicide guidance to their frontline staff is an acknowledgement by them of the devastating impact of their social security cuts on people's lives - it's not new guidance they need, it's a new approach.
"We need a social security system that treats people with dignity and respect - a system where people are supported into healthier, happier lives, not driven to unimaginable despair by punitive sanctions."
He added: "The research from NHS Scotland shows that even modest increases in the income of people on benefits can have a dramatic impact on their health and can ultimately prevent premature deaths.
"The SNP recognise this and opposes cuts to tax credits made in this year's UK budget - while Labour sat on their hands.
"With the link between health and income clearer than ever, the UK government must listen to the call for wider welfare devolution so that our health and social security systems can work together to improve people's lives - rather than one undermining the other."
A DWP spokesman said: "As you would expect, our frontline staff have always been trained to look for signs of vulnerabilities.
"They can refer individuals to specialist support - including specialist teams at Jobcentre Plus - and this is nothing new."
