Nearly 10,000 people have died in just over two years after being denied full sickness benefits and told to get a job, the Government admitted.
After an 18-month Freedom of Information battle with the Mirror, the Department for Work and Pensions revealed that 2,380 people died between December 2011 and February 2014 after failing controversial government tests and being found “fit to work”.
A further 7,200 people claiming Employment and Support Allowance died after being put in the “work-related activity group”, which means they get reduced benefits and are told to get a job.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “We urgently need an inquiry into the government’s back-to-work regime. These disturbing findings cannot be swept under the carpet.
“The fact that more than 80 people are dying each week shortly after being declared fit for work should concern us all. We need a welfare system that supports people to find decent jobs not one that causes stress and ill health.”