William Beveridge published the Social Insurance and Allied Services report.

The Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 and the NI (Industrial Injuries) Act 1946.

National Health Service Act (NHSA) and the National Insurance Act (NIA).

National Assistance Act (NAA).

One Nation Conservative Group challenges welfare state universalism.

National Assistance Amendment Acts and Determination of Needs Regulations.

Mental Health Act.

National Insurance (NI) Act 1965 and the Ministry of Social Security Act (MSSA) 1966.

National Insurance Act.

Supplementary Benefits Commission (SBC).

Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS).

The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (CSDPA).

Department for Health and Social Security (DHSS) says needs are to be determined by resources.

Introduction of Invalidity Benefit for people who had to leave their trade or occupation after sustaining an injury or developing a long-term illness.

Introduction of Attendance Allowance (AA) and lower rate.

The Union of Physically Impaired Against Segregation (UPIAS) Statement.

First figures showing number of people on Invalidity and Sickness Benefit.

The Social Security Act (SSA).

Invalidity Benefit regulations introduced requiring a doctor’s certificate.

UK Conservative Government tries to minimise 1980s unemployment figures by misrepresenting statistics and also misleadingly encouraging the moving of unemployed people onto disability benefits.

National Employers Life Assurance Co. Ltd. (NEL) renames as Unum Limited.

Introduction of disability living allowance, enabling more disabled people able to claim support for some of their extra impairment-related costs.

Peter Lilley (secretary of state for social security) talks about “closing down the something for nothing society” and tightening up on “scroungers” and “bogus asylum seekers”.

Leaked Whitehall documents reveal plans to cut Invalidity Benefit.

John Major says it “beggars belief that so many more people have suddenly become invalids”, laying the foundations for the upcoming Social Security (Incapacity for Work) Bill.

US insurance company Unum Provident advise the UK government on ‘welfare reform’ to reduce the number of claimants of long-term sickness benefits.

The Social Security (Incapacity for Work) Bill and research paper published, discussing role of GPs in determining access to benefits.

Social Security (Incapacity for Work) Act 1994 receives royal assent.

Key measures from the Social Security (Incapacity for Work) Act 1994 come into force, including replacing Invalidity Benefit with Incapacity Benefit, and introducing the points-based All Work Test, as well as regulation 27 – providing a ‘safety net’ for those who faced a ‘substantial risk’ of harm if they were found capable of work.

Professor Wikeley publishes paper highlighting the risks of The Social Security (Incapacity for Work) Act 1994, saying that it reaffirms idea of the ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ poor, begins the move away from GP-led benefits assessments, and is designed to encourage people to take up private insurance, leaving marginalised groups with inadequate protection.

Paper (co-written by US insurance company UnumProvident Vice President) suggests removing GPs from assessing fitness to work.

Ministers in the John Major administration approve decision to outsource medical assessments for benefits.

The Department of Social Security tells the Social Security Advisory Committee that intended policy changes to remove the ‘substantial risk’ rules (which provide vital safeguarding) would have no detrimental effect.

Child Poverty Acton Group (CPAG) writes to the Social Security Advisory Committee.

Department of Social Security says removing ‘significant risk’ regulation is ‘neutral’ despite providing a ‘safety net’ for those facing a ‘significant risk’ of harm if found capable of work. This means the committee does not see a formal referral and the regulation is approved by parliament (the removal will later be found to be unlawful).

Clinicians appointed by the DSS removal of regulation 27, which provides vital safeguarding to those whose mental and/or physical health is ‘substantial risk’ if found fit to work.

Leaked document outlines plans for changes to sickness and disability related benefits based on budget savings

Regulation 27 ‘substantial risk’ – a key safety net for claimants at risk of serious harm if they are found fit for work – is removed from regulations.

Child Poverty Action group raises concerns over removal of “significant risk” clause – finding that the Social Security Advisory Committee had been ‘misled’ by the DSS.

Disabled activists protest over welfare cuts outside Downing Street.

Publication by the Blair ‘New Labour’ administration of new social security green paper “New Ambitions for our Country: A New Contract for Welfare”, setting out the principles of welfare reform based on the idea of “welfare dependency”.

The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 receives Royal Assent.

‘Permanent Health Insurance’ Westminster Hall debate by Clive Efford MP debated the increasing wrongful denial of PHI claims.

The death of Timothy Finn.

The All Work Test is reformed and renamed the Personal Capability Assessment, and is outsourced to SEMA, which would be taken over by Atos.

Insurance company Unum launches lobbying group, including some disability charities,  to increase its influence.

National Audit Office report finds “serious problems” with medical assessment of Incapacity and disability benefits.

Woodstock conference on “malingering and illness deception”, partly funded by UnumProvident and DWP, will play a key role in justifying welfare reform.

News programmes expose claims denial practices in the USA at Unum (who are currently advising the UK government on welfare reform).

The Court of Appeal finds (in the case Howker v Secretary of State) that the social security advisory committee had been misled by the DSS (now DWP) and that removing the “substantial risk” clause was unlawful.

UnumProvident acquires UK group insurance business – building its insurance presence in the UK while influencing welfare reform at governmental level.

Ministers try again to remove the “substantial risk” clause from regulation 27, reversing the effect of the Court of Appeal ruling.

The Social Security Advisory Committee recommends that no change be made to regulation 27, and then withdraws its proposal to remove the safety net.

National Audit Office report finds backlog of assessment cases and early signs of DWP’s failure to seek medical evidence early in the assessment process.

DWP’s chief medical adviser, Mansel Aylward, gives evidence to the Commons Public Accounts Committee over accusations that health care professionals, carrying out assessments on behalf of DWP, are treating claimants like “lumps of meat.”

UnumProvident opens new Centre for Psychosocial and Disability Research at Cardiff University, which has close links to DWP.

DWP-commissioned research finds Incapacity Benefit Personal Advisers are concerned about working with clients who are suicidal, and about a target driven sanctioning culture.

UnumProvident settles multi-state federal examination of claim handling practices in USA, identifying Unum’s use of in-house medical staff to deny benefits.

DWP publishes second research report on Incapacity Benefit reforms and Personal advisers, finding unmanageable workloads affect their ability to identify risk and provide support to people in distress.

US insurance giant UnumProvident says it is driving government policy on Incapacity Benefit reform.

Research published into how DWP and Atos secure further medical evidence from claimants.

California insurance regulators fine Unum $8 million, including for using wrong legal definition of disability to deny claims, requiring the company to reopen as many as 26,000 California cases.

DWP commission a report on ‘The Scientific and Conceptual Basis of Incapacity Benefits’, which lays the framework for the 2006 Welfare Reform Bill.

Publication of “Is Work Good for Health and Well-being?”, claims to provide evidence that work is good for health, which will be used by government to justify pressuring disabled people into work.

The New Labour government publishes “A New Deal for Welfare” green paper, introducing the new employment and support allowance, which will replace incapacity benefit and include conditionality for most claimants.

Tony Blair supports welfare shake-up, warning that unemployed people, single parents and those on incapacity benefit that they could no longer expect “a lifetime” on benefit.

Dr Alison Ravetz criticises government’s New Deal for Welfare warning of incalculable stress for those forced into work and predicting future harms.

DWP publishes progress report on developing the work capability assessment.

New Labour commission report from investment banker David Freud on “reducing dependency” in the welfare system.

Welfare Reform Act 2007 receives royal assent, introducing changes that will impact millions of disabled people, including the new employment and support allowance (ESA) and the work capability assessment (WCA).

“Doctor” is changed to “healthcare professional” in amendments to the social security regulations, related to medical opinion in determining fitness to work.

Labour’s work and pensions secretary Peter Hain vows to “rip up sicknote Britain.”

Labour announces the new work capability assessment for claiming employment and support allowance, with DWP claiming that “Fifty per cent of those who take the assessment will not pass it”.

Bid to regulate health care professionals carrying out work capability assessments fails.

David Freud suggests that less than a third of those claiming incapacity benefit are legitimate claimants.

Publication of DWP report on health, work and well-being emphasises cost to the British economy of health-related absence from work.

Work and pensions secretary (of the Blair administration) announces plans to get tough on “scroungers” by retesting everyone on Incapacity Benefit through the new Work Capability Assessment.

Introduction of Employment and Support Allowance and the Work Capability Assessment – key elements of Labour’s welfare reform which aims to use conditionality to cut spending on out-of-work benefits.

White Paper ‘Raising Expectations and Increasing Support: Reforming Welfare for the Future’, which claims that “everyone on incapacity benefit” will be moved to ESA, and supports use of conditionality and sanctions, is discussed in House of Lords.

Launch of Centre for Welfare Reform.

The Express publishes misleading and inaccurate benefit fraud story about incapacity benefit claimants “faking their illnesses”.

DWP publishes internal review of work capability assessment.

Formation of Black Activists Rising Against the Cuts (BARAC).

The death of Stephen Carré after finding that DWP had confirmed its decision to find him ineligible for ESA.

Prevention of future deaths (PFD) report finds that the rejection of his appeal that he was not fit for work was a ‘trigger’ in Stephen Carré’s death.

Coroner Tom Osborne receives initial response to the Stephen Carré PFD from DWP permanent secretary Sir Leigh Lewis.

Labour government voted out in general election, leading to formation of coalition between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

Coroner Tom Osborne replies to Sir Leigh Lewis, saying that DWP does not need to investigate the circumstances surrounding Stephen Carré’s death but does need to investigate use of medical evidence.

Formation of Black Triangle Campaign to “galvanise opposition to the current vicious attack on the fundamental human rights of disabled people by the Government”, and in memory of Paul Reekie.

Formation of The Mental Health Resistance Network set up “by people who live with mental distress in order to defend ourselves from the assault on us by a cruel government”.

The death of Paul Reekie.

Budget reveals plans to slash spending on disability living allowance through a new assessment process.

Iain Duncan Smith suggests disabled people are to blame for planned cuts to Disability Living Allowance.

DWP fails in its legal duty to respond to the Stephen Carré prevention of future deaths report.

Mad Pride protest against the coalition government’s “savage” welfare cuts.

Prime minister adds to “benefit scrounger” rhetoric aimed at claimants of incapacity benefit.

Coroner Tom Osborne writes to the father of Stephen Carré, saying he has received no “substantive response” to his prevention of future deaths report.

Professor Malcolm Harrington publishes his first independent review of the Work Capability Assessment, finding that the system is “impersonal” but not “broken” (later evidence would emerge that he had not been informed by DWP of the coroner’s report for Stephen Carré.)

The Sun publishes an interview with Iain Duncan Smith on “Benefits Britain.”

Calum’s List website is created as a memorial page to remember “welfare reform deaths.”

Daily Mail article wrongly claims that 400,000 disabled benefit claimants were “trying it on”, and that 94 per cent of new claimants are able to work.

Publication of “Getting In, Staying In and Getting On: Disability Employment Support Fit for the Future” recommending end to government subsidies for Remploy factories and producing disagreement within the disabled people’s movement.

David Cameron says the work capability assessment is necessary to stop “bad behaviour.”

Labour’s shadow secretary of state for Work and Pensions claims Labour lost the 2010 election because it was not seen as tough enough on welfare.

Insurance provider Unum denies it will profit from incapacity benefit reform.

Iain Duncan Smith tells Conservative party conference that incapacity benefit is abused and open to fraud.

BBC broadcasts The Future State of Welfare, which mirrors government rhetoric, and uses faulty data, about the work capability assessment system.

Research shows a ‘significant increase’ in the number of negative stories about disabled people in national newspapers over the last six years.

Pat’s Petition, asking the DWP to stop changes to benefits, is submitted on the UK Government’s website.

Evidence emerges of Unum’s influence on UK welfare reform.

Professor Harrington publishes his second review of the WCA.

The death of Ms DE (Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland later launches an investigation into her death).

Research report evidences “influence of politicians’ rhetoric” in increasing stigma against benefit claimants.

Report finds government misled parliament over opposition to disability living allowance reform, and Spartacus Network is launched.

Disabled activists and allies stage direct action protest at the government’s welfare reform bill.

DWP begins to collect peer reviews (the secret reports it carries out into the deaths of benefit claimants) centrally for the first time.

Commons invokes financial privilege to pass the Welfare Reform Act 2012, quashing Lords amendments to soften changes to the benefits system.

Welfare Reform Act, which introduces universal credit and introduces the “bedroom tax”, receives royal assent.

MPs and peers warn of cumulative impact of Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence payments (DLA/PIP) reforms on disabled people.

Disabled asylum seekers created a mural for their messages to be heard in the heart of Bristol.

Mind chief executive resigns from Work Capability Assessment (WCA) review scrutiny panel, arguing that the assessment process “isn’t working”.

Scottish GP tells Scottish parliament that the death of Paul Reekie was caused by the UK government’s welfare reforms.

Doctors vote to end the work capability assessment (WCA), thanks to lobbying from disabled activists.

The death of Karen Sherlock, 2 weeks after she was told she would be eligible once again to receive Employment support Allowance (ESA).

Email leaked from Jobcentre managers to staff after a claimant attempts suicide after being told his sickness benefit would be cut off.

High court grants permission for two disabled people (backed by the Mental Health Resistance Network) to bring a judicial review claim against the work and pensions secretary and related to the work capability assessment (WCA).

Two investigative documentaries about Atos and the work capability assessment (WCA) are broadcast on the same night, showing evidence of target driven assessment culture.

Disabled activists target Atos at London 2012 Paralympics, including delivering a coffin to Atos’s headquarters to represent those who have died after being found “fit to work”.

Survey finds negative press coverage of disabled people, supported by government in order to justify cuts, is increasing, contributing to disability hate crime.

MP raises concerns over the death of Colin Traynor, whose family say they “hold the Government…personally responsible”.

The death of Edward Jacques, a week after his Employment Support Allowance (ESA) was stopped, which his family say was a major “trigger”. The coroner raises issues with the assessment process, specifically the failure to get medical evidence.

The death of Brian McArdle, the day after he was deemed “fit to work” following a work capability assessment (WCA).

George Osborne refers to welfare claimants as “sleeping off a life on benefits” in speech to Conservative party conference.

WOW Petition Campaign, created by disabled people and building on Pat’s Petition, calls for a cumulative impact assessment of welfare reforms.

The Spartacus Network publishes the People’s Review of the Work Capability Assessment, documenting links between being found “fit for work” and people’s deaths.

DWP suggests that providing further medical evidence would be too heavy a burden on GPs.

Professor Harrington publishes his third review of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA).

Iain Duncan Smith questioned over benefit-related deaths on BBC Question Time.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation publishes report on the impact of welfare reform on poverty and exclusion, criticising DWP for failing to assess the overall impact of its welfare reforms.

House of Commons Library sums up WCA concerns.

Linda Wootton dies nine days after DWP upholds its decision to declare her “fit for work.”

Commons debate on work capability assessment and Atos.  

Research by DPAC activist exposes how DWP under-estimated how many should be found not fit for work.

Thinktank Demos show that disabled people will be hit by up to 13 different cuts and risk losing a total of £28.3 billion in income support by 2018.

Launch of new personal independence payment (PIP)

DWP introduces mandatory reconsiderations – a new internal appeal stage for benefits. 

The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) comes into effect, introducing funding cuts to legal aid.

David Cameron tells The Sun that the welfare system has “lost its way” and become a “lifestyle choice for some”

The death of Stephanie Bottrill  – her suicide note blames the government’s “bedroom tax”.

Former Atos assessor blows the whistle on unfair practices, saying the DWP is the “real culprit”.

Judgement on work capability assessment court case brought by the Mental Health Resistance Network.

The death of David Clapson, three weeks after having his jobseeker’s allowance sanctioned.

The death of Mark Wood after being found ineligible for Employment Support Allowance (ESA).

The death of David Barr, a month after the confirmation of the decision to find him fit for work, which his Father says was the trigger leading to his suicide. 

“Shocking” bedroom tax should be axed, says UN investigator, who reported that the most vulnerable were being affected, with some talking about suicide.

The death of Michael O’Sullivan after being found fit for work.

The death of Tim Salter after being found fit for work. A coroner later ruled that a major factor in his death was the reduction in his benefits.

10,000 Cuts and Counting event in Parliament Square to remember the thousands of disabled people who have died shortly after a Work Capability Assessment (WCA).

Peter Lilley, security secretary in John Major’s government and one of the architects of the Work Capability Assessment, says he has “no regrets” and denies insurance industry influence.

DPAC co-founders persuade the UN disability committee to carry out an investigation into the UK under the optional protocol of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Rachel Reeves, the new shadow secretary of state for work and pensions, says Labour would be tougher on welfare than the coalition.

The UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights condemns “intrusive” Work Capability Assessment and the demonization of poor people as undeserving.

The Spartacus Network leads the Second People’s Review of the Work Capability Assessment, including accounts of deaths linked to being found fit for work. 

Publication of fourth independent review of the Work Capability Assessment – with no mention of deaths or suicides.

Court of Appeal upholds ruling that the Work Capability Assessment discriminates against some disabled people.

Despite the Court of Appeal ruling that the Work Capability Assessment discriminates against people with mental health conditions, the DWP tells senior civil servants it is “business as usual”.

Formation of Sisters of Frida – disabled women’s collective. 

Inquest into the death of Michael O’Sullivan, where the Coroner concludes that the trigger for Michael O’Sullivan’s suicide was his assessment as being fit for work, and writes a prevention of future deaths report to DWP, saying that “there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken”.

Managing editor of the Sun appointed director of communications at DWP.

Activists deliver letter to British Medical Association about its members’ opposition to the work capability assessment.

War on Welfare (WOW) petition secures debate in House of Commons.

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland publishes a report into the death of Ms DE, finding that the process and denial of Employment Support Allowance (ESA) were a major factor in her suicide.

Atos pull out of contract with the DWP to deliver the work capability assessment due to reputational and profitability issues.

Launch of New Approach campaign and release of work capability assessment report – finding the process “abusive” and “inhumane”.

Labour peer highlights “devastating” impact of legal aid changes, which remove access to justice for the poorest and most vulnerable.

DWP data shows increase in use of sanctions against Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants.

DWP questioned about what records they keep of deaths linked to the benefits system.

Welfare rights expert and campaigner Nick Dilworth tells newspaper about the “toxic” Work Capability Assessment, and links to deaths.

The new Conservative minister for disabled people insists DWP is right to ignore reports of deaths linked to benefits.

Liberal Democrat DWP minister contradicts his Tory colleague over records kept on deaths linked to benefits.

First freedom of information request into DWP reviews into deaths of benefit claimants.

DWP admits for the first time that it carries out investigations into some deaths of claimants.

Faiza Ahmed (known to her family as Sophie) dies by suicide, hours after telling a jobcentre work coach that she was suicidal.

DWP questioned over how many coroner’s letters about benefits-related deaths it has received in the past 10 years.

DWP admits in a Freedom of Information response that it has carried out 60 peer reviews into deaths of benefits claimants.

Litchfield publishes fifth and final independent review of the work capability assessment, with no mention of the DWP’s own reviews into deaths of claimants.

Employment minister says there is no formal policy to liaise with agencies after a sanction.

DWP delays responding to freedom of information request on peer reviews into deaths of benefits claimants.

Labour MP speaks of “core visits” procedures, which are supposed to be followed when a  “vulnerable” person is sanctioned.

A man (name kept anonymous) dies by suicide after being rejected for both Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Employment Support Allowance (ESA).

DWP refuses to release the peer reviews it has carried out in relation to deaths of benefits claimants.

DWP admits that 40 of the 49 peer reviews into the deaths of benefit claimants it has carried out were in response to suicides.

Channel 4 reports that most peer reviews included recommendations for improvements.

Maximus takes over from Atos as provider of work capability assessments, sparking protests.

The death of Sheila Holt, following a work capability assessment.

Psychologists Against Austerity say austerity policies are causing mental health problems.

Dismissal of further medical evidence case on the work capability assessment and discrimination, but upper tribunal administrative appeals chamber criticises minister.

Rachel Reeves, Labour’s shadow secretary of state for work and pensions, says: “We are not the party of people on benefits.”

The Commons work and pensions select committee calls for a new independent body to investigate deaths of benefit claimants.

DWP examines its flawed peer review process, finding deep flaws.

Changes to incapacity benefits described “as the biggest single social policy failure of the last 15 years”.

Black Triangle film listing people whose deaths are linked to the welfare system. 

Conservatives win overall majority at general election

DWP admits that 10 of the 49 claimants whose deaths were examined by peer reviews had had their benefits sanctioned.

DWP raises issues with sanctions and safeguarding of vulnerable claimants by the companies delivering its Work Programme.

The death of Luke Alexander Loy, three months after being found fit for work and sanctioned. His sister said “he died as a result of Tory cuts”.

Freedom of information request reveals that 22 of the 49 peer reviews into deaths of claimants involved someone claiming employment and support allowance (ESA). 

DWP says coroners’ letters expressing concern about the deaths of benefit claimants are not handled by a specific official, revealing no centralised process for accountability.

John McDonnell voices strong opposition to welfare reform and work bill

Survey shows that “benefit scrounger rhetoric” is causing disability hate crime.

The death of Moira Drury, after the removal of her employment and support allowance (ESA).

The death of Frances McCormack. She left a note linking her hardship to the “bedroom tax”. 

DWP publish statistics on how many people died while claiming out-of-work benefits.

The death of Alan McArdle, an hour after being told that DWP was threatening to sanction him – stopping his employment and support allowance (ESA).

Information commissioner rejects complaint about DWP refusal to release peer reviews, supporting DWP’s’ response that this would breach data protection.

First coroner’s report to link work capability assessment (WCA) with the death of a person claiming benefits – Michael O’Sullivan.

Iain Duncan Smith tells claimants to “work your way out of poverty”.

Priti Patel denies causality between sanctions and suicides.

Mother of Mark Wood (who died after being found ineligible for employment and support allowance (ESA)) gives evidence to UN committee.

Disability News Service appeals to the First-Tier Tribunal over the information commissioner’s decision to reject its peer review complaint (allowing reviews to remain unpublished).

Prime minister David Cameron is asked about the death of Michael O’Sullivan.

Ministry of Justice releases Stephen Carré prevention of future deaths (PFD) report. 

David Cameron asked about peer reviews into deaths of people claiming benefits.

Welfare reform and work bill has its first reading in parliament.

The death of Paul Donnachie, after his employment and support allowance (ESA) is removed.

Professor Harrington (who carried out the first three independent reviews of the WCA for DWP) says he was not shown Stephen Carré PFD report.

Research shows links between Work Capability Assessments and suicides

DWP, in guidance to healthcare professionals working for Maximus, changes suicide from a “definitive” “substantial risk” if forced into work, to something that should be weighed against ‘benefits of employment”.

Mental health experts describe how “ruthless” DWP forced through Work Capability Assessments despite knowing of harm.

National Audit Office (NAO) publishes report on disability assessments and private contractors.

Coroner publishes prevention of future deaths (PFD) report into death of Sophie/Faiza (see 7 November 2014), calling for DWP to take action to prevent further deaths.

Ministry of Justice refuses to investigate DWP’s failure to respond to Stephen Carré prevention of future deaths (PFD) report.

Information Rights Tribunal hears Disability news Service case against the information commissioner over its finding that DWP did not need to release peer reviews into the deaths of benefit claimants.

Welfare Reform and Work Act receives royal assent.

Labour former work and pensions secretary says she “never saw” Stephen Carré PFD report.

Iain Duncan Smith accuses government of deliberately attacking disabled people through “indefensible” cuts because “they don’t vote for us”.

Disabled activists ask Scottish police to investigate ministers over work capability assessment (WCA) deaths.

DWP sends out reminder to staff about six-point suicide prevention plan.

Capita faces fresh calls to be stripped of personal independence payment (PIP) contracts after release of Channel 4 undercover footage. 

The Information Rights Tribunal rules DWP must release redacted versions of peer reviews.

DWP figures shows that of the 49 peer reviews into deaths of people claiming benefits, 18 of the people who had died by suicide had been claiming employment support allowance (ESA).

DWP releases redacted versions of 49 peer reviews, showing that ministers were repeatedly warned that policies were putting the lives of “vulnerable” claimants at risk.

Scottish National Party (SNP) MP Deidre Brock backs calls to prosecute Iain Duncan Smith and Chris Grayling for their failure to make the work capability assessment (WCA) safe.

The death of Susan Roberts, after being told she had lost a benefit appeal.

John McDonnell supports calls to prosecute Iain Duncan Smith.

The film “I, Daniel Blake” (about the unfairness of the work capability assessment) wins the Cannes Palme d’Or.

Recovery in The Bin runs Benefits Defence workshops – upskilling disabled people to defend themselves from the welfare system.

Kamil Ahmad, a disabled Kurdish asylum seeker, is murdered 

Jobcentre Plus (JCP) worker caught making racist comments on the phone.

New reviews into deaths of people claiming benefits show DWP staff keep failing to follow suicide guidelines.

Changes to DWP guidance (including regulation 35) on safety and risk lead to sharp fall in claimants placed in employment and support allowance (ESA) support group, and increase in number of people found ‘fit for work’.

Freedom of information battle with DWP finds Maximus memo on suicide guidance and medical evidence was sent a few days after the existence of the Michael O’Sullivan prevention of future deaths report was first revealed.

Iain Duncan Smith denies responsibility for WCA deaths.

DWP publishes Improving Lives: The Work, Health and Disability Green Paper. 

Disabled activists declare war on Mind after links exposed to DWP.

Government leaks UN committee on the rights of persons with disabilities report to Mail on Sunday in attempt to discredit its findings.

UN report concludes DWP is guilty of “grave” and “systematic” violations of disabled people.

The National Audit Office says DWP is not doing enough to understand how sanctions affect people on benefits.

Psychotherapy organisations express concern about the impact of sanctions on mental health.

Scottish criminal justice agencies reject request to launch criminal investigation into links between DWP and the death of David Barr.

DWP admits it carried out seven peer reviews while Harrington was investigating the work capability assessment (WCA).

Professor Harrington believes he was never shown work capability assessment (WCA) related peer reviews into claimants’ deaths.

The death of Lawrence Bond, hours after visiting jobcentre.

Green party sends dossier of 50 deaths of benefit claimants to DWP, calling for an inquiry.

Report by Mental Health and Unemployment in Scotland finds that the work capability assessment (WCA) has a negative impact on mental health.

The death of Jodey Whiting, after being found fit for work, despite telling the DWP about her suicidal thoughts.

Public accounts committee report urges DWP to review the use of sanctions.

DWP tells the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) that it does not keep track of peer review recommendations.

DPAC and Inclusion London respond to the UN report, raising the connection between benefit changes, people’s deaths and Government failures.

DWP admits peer review process lacked “robust governance”.

The death of Diane Hullah, linked to anxiety caused by the personal independence payment (PIP) application process.

DWP “has gone back on promise” to address work capability assessment (WCA) further medical evidence flaw.

Inquest into the death of Jodey Whiting fails to investigate DWP’s potential role in her death.

The death of Mark Barber, shortly after learning his disability benefits would be cut. Coroner mentions stress linked to reassessment for disability benefits.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities committee says government cuts caused “human catastrophe”.

DWP data shows some groups are at substantially higher risk of experiencing a jobseekers allowance (JSA) sanction.

Disability News Service investigates allegations of professionals’ dishonesty in benefits assessments outsourced to Capita and Atos.

UN demands UK government provide an annual UK progress report on correcting “grave and systematic violations”.

Portraying UK disabled people as “parasites” could lead to “violence and killings”, says UN chair.

Work and pensions secretary David Gauke admits sanctions can harm claimants with mental health issues.

Government downplays UN disability committee concerns about the UK. 

Windrush scandal shows UK Government threatening, detaining, and deporting Commonwealth citizens. 

WinVisible submits evidence to the Commons work and pensions select committee about how assessment regime causes disabled women “terrifying insecurity”, including links to deaths, including suicides. 

Government inquiry into benefits assessment processes receives unprecedented number of submissions.

Mental health charity Rethink publishes report on how the work capability assessment (WCA) discriminates against people with mental illness.

Department of Health’s national suicide prevention strategy fails to warn NHS of the suicide risk associated with employment and support allowance (ESA). 

NHS statistics on the link between employment support allowance and suicide prompt calls for inquiry and prosecution of ministers.

The high court rules that changes to personal independence payment (PIP) regulations were unlawful and discriminate against disabled people.

DWP decides not to trial softer sanctions regime, despite this being recommended by the Commons public accounts committee.

The Commons work and pensions committee finds the assessment system is undermined by “pervasive culture of mistrust”.

Research shows that benefit sanctions regime discriminates against disabled people claiming jobseeker’s allowance (JSA).

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) research shows cumulative impact of tax and welfare reforms on disabled people.

Pensions secretary Esther McVey heckled over death of Jodey Whiting.

Government responds to work and pensions committee’s report on assessments process.

DWP “has no record” of whether it showed documents about deaths related to work capability assessments to a reviewer.

Research published from five-year study into welfare conditionality, findings include link between sanctions and deaths, including suicide.

The death of Errol Graham, months after DWP wrongly stopped his employment support allowance (ESA), and failed to seek further medical evidence.

Four opposition parties demand DWP answers over work capability assessment deaths “cover-up”.

Production of A Very Queer Nazi Faust by disabled artist Vince Laws, highlights deaths linked to disability benefits cuts.

Number of DWP investigations (internal process reviews) into deaths of people claiming benefits double in two years.

Scottish government sets out plans to bring benefit assessments in-house.

Joy Dove, Jodey Whiting’s mother, vows to fight on for Justice for Jodey.

Research shows that the sanctions system has a “significantly detrimental” effect on mental health.

Citizens Advice signs £51 million contract with DWP.

The new “minister for suicide prevention” evades questions on statistics showing links between employment and support allowance (ESA) and suicide.

Disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) submit report to UN, finding government failings in upholding the rights of disabled people.

The sister of a man with learning difficulties says his death was caused by his move onto the government’s “chaotic” universal credit system. 

Commons work and pensions committee calls for an end to sanctioning disabled people.

UN rapporteur says government has ‘inflicted great misery’ on disabled people.

The death of Roy Curtis, six days after being asked to attend a face-to-face work capability assessment (WCA).

Second backbench WOW campaign debate hears of “hostile” and “dehumanising” benefits assessment system.

Watchdog report shows introduction of personal independence payment (PIP) led to spending rise rather than intended fall.

Ministers fail to include DWP in cross-government suicide prevention plan, despite evidence linking suicides with disability benefits assessment system.

DWP figures show thousands died after having personal independence payment (PIP) claims rejected.

DWP failed five times to follow safeguarding rules before Jodey Whiting’s suicide.

Work and pensions secretary Amber Rudd launches Health Transformation Programme – to reform assessment processes.

NHS calls for government action on link between mental distress and benefit cuts.

DWP figures suggest deaths linked to the work capability assessment (WCA) may have fallen.

Prime minister Theresa May questioned about the death of Jodey Whiting.