20 June 2012

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

What: The Guardian reports on a leaked email sent by three senior DWP civil servants to jobcentre staff, warning them of the risk of suicides as the government’s welfare reforms and cuts roll out. The email says: “Very sadly, only last week a customer of DWP [Department for Work and Pensions] attempted suicide”, which is “said to be the result of receiving a letter” informing him that his sickness benefit would be cut off.

Why significant: One of the earliest media reports linking coalition benefit cuts to suicide.