Inquiry into Covid care home mistakes must give bereaved closure
A deadly virus forced the suspension of everyday life and created turmoil on an unprecedented level.
The country was plunged into lockdown, workers' jobs were furloughed and tens of thousands of poor souls died.
It was only when the vaccine was developed that we turned the corner and beat Covid.
Nowhere was the pain felt more acutely than in our care homes.
With older people at more risk, Covid ripped through care homes and thousands died.
Deadly blunders like discharging patients into homes without a Covid test only added to the heartbreak.
The UK Covid Inquiry will this week look at the impact of the pandemic on care homes and the agony felt by residents and their families.
Visits were heavily curtailed and elderly relatives died without getting to say their goodbyes.
At the same time, Boris Johnson and his Downing Street cronies flouted the rules by partying hard.
It was this contrast – demanding obedience from voters while ignoring social distancing in No10 – that set in train the Tory defeat last year.
Families want politicians, whether they were in London or Edinburgh, to be held accountable for their actions.
The key mistakes in Scotland were made by the SNP government and the UK inquiry is unlikely to pull its punches.
And the UK Government aggravated the pain by the disgrace of party-gate.
The bereaved want to move on, but to do so they need answers.
Time for a reset
It is nearly 12 months since Labour and Keir Starmer beat the Tories after a thrilling general election win.
Starmer is a good man who wants to make the country a better place, but his start has been mixed.
Cutting winter fuel payments was a disaster and the plan for welfare cuts continues to cause anxiety.
The common denominator in both policies is Labour taking money away from people who need it, rather than boosting incomes.
The wider problem has been the lack of a positive story to tell voters about the type of society the Prime Minister wants to build.
Left-wing Labour MP Brian Leishman does not get every call right, but he is correct to say Starmer needs to listen to his MPs more.
The welfare debacle could have been sorted long ago had ministers taken the concerns of MPs easy.
Starmer's first anniversary is an opportunity for a reset and a chance to show the difference Labour policies can make for ordinary people.
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Scottish Sun
9 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Miscarriage bereavement leave law shake-up is a long time coming, say campaigners
'From that moment you find out you're pregnant, your life changes.' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CAMPAIGNERS have hailed new laws to grant parents miscarriage bereavement leave as ground-breaking. At the moment, if a woman loses a baby before the 24-week mark, she is not legally entitled to any time off - instead it's up to the discretion of an employer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The law change will come into force in 2027 2 Sarah Pryde-Smith says the change is ground-breaking And while many bosses are understanding, advocates say it's like a 'postcode lottery' as to whether grieving would-be mums get time off. Now Labour has confirmed both mothers and fathers will be granted a right to bereavement leave after suffering a miscarriage as part of the government's employment rights bill, with the length of time still to be decided. Sarah Pryde-Smith, CEO at baby loss charity Simba, says the changes are a long time coming. She said: 'We're thrilled that the government has announced this. Confirming that families who experience pregnancy loss under 24 weeks will have an entitlement to protected bereavement leave is something that is long overdue. 'At the moment it's like a postcode lottery. If you've got a really supportive employer, that's great, that's really lucky, but the change needed to come and it's groundbreaking.' The shake-up comes after a hard-fought Leave for Every Loss campaign launched last year by the Miscarriage Association. It called for equitable parental bereavement leave to highlight the emotional and physical toll of pregnancy loss. This was supported by Simba, a Scottish organisation which honours baby loss at every stage by providing memory boxes in hospital and in the community. Sarah said: 'At Simba we were proud to support the Leave for Every Loss campaign, which led to this change. Any type of loss at any stage is horrendous. 'From that moment you find out you're pregnant, your life changes and you're grieving the loss of a pregnancy, a baby, but you're also grieving the loss of what would have been, what might have been. 'And that takes time to process. The change will ensure parents have the legal right to take time off work to grieve. Parents warned 3 common summer foods are dangerous to toddlers - and eating a specific fruit can cause nasty sunburn 'It isn't just about the physical effects of loss, it's about that grieving process too.' The charity boss says the rule revamp comes after a number of positive changes around baby loss. Families who have lost babies can now register the bereavement in a memorial book and receive a certificate to mark the loss. Meanwhile, new guidelines have been established for miscarriage care meaning women won't have to go through three miscarriages in a row before getting access to specialist support. Sarah said: 'The new law change, which comes into effect in 2027, builds on the continued work that's already been done around the certification of pregnancy and baby loss prior to 24 weeks. 'That was introduced in Scotland last year, and England and Wales have caught up this year. And that information is included in our memory box so that families can formally acknowledge their loss. 'There's loads more to do but this is a real, punch-the-air moment that's happened. And it's testament to the families and the associations and organisations that championed this change.' MY VIEW COMING back to work after my first miscarriage, a concerned workmate asked if I'd been off with the flu. It was nobody's fault but it felt like a gut punch. Thankfully my understanding boss had given me a fortnight off to recover and grieve the loss of the little life I'd been so excited about – or I think that kind enquiry would have floored me. I'm now the very blessed and proud mum of a fantastic five- year-old. But before he came along I lost two babies, both around the three-month mark. In my case, I was very ill on both occasions, so the toll was physical as well as emotional. But I knew one call to my boss would be enough to ensure I had all the time and space I needed to recover, with my equally devastated husband. However, I know not everyone is so lucky at work which is why this law change is a vital step forward. I have a son I adore, but the hurt and grief will always be there. Whether you're two days or two months pregnant, loss at any stage is life-changing. I hope this shake-up is the first of many moves to acknowledge that. Grief Coach Lisa Hague, who has worked alongside Simba to advocate for families experiencing baby loss, also praised the shake-up. The mum-of-three, whose own daughter Lola was stillborn, said: 'Until now, bereavement leave for miscarriage has been too much of a grey area. I've heard first-hand from people that they've had a miscarriage and their employer has said, 'Oh god, that's awful, take the day off and we'll see you tomorrow'. 'That can't be for your employer to decide. 'For ladies that have been pregnant, and this was definitely the case for me, your life changes from the minute that you pee on the stick and you find out you're pregnant. 'There needs to be time for women who have lost under 24 weeks, and their partners too, to be able to acknowledge that this is a big loss.' Now Sarah hopes that the legislation move will remove some of the stigma around miscarriage and lead to more awareness. She added: 'There's still work to be done. Changing policies, upskilling your staff, understanding so that we're not whispering about miscarriage and baby loss. 'One in four pregnancies ends in a loss and it doesn't discriminate either. Everyone will be touched by it, directly or indirectly. So we should be talking about these things. 'It should be within employment policies and there should be the creation of supportive and caring, bereavement-led environments.'
Daily Mirror
11 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
How your MP voted on stripped-down welfare bill and full list of Labour rebels
Charities have reacted with fury over cuts to health-related Universal Credit payments, and 47 Labour MPs broke ranks to vote against the Government's stripped down welfare Bill Dozens of Labour MPs have again rebelled against controversial welfare reforms that have sparked fury among charities. Forty seven broke ranks over plans to cut health-related Universal Credit payments expected to impact an estimated 750,000 disabled people. Those affected will lose around £3,000 a year by 2030 in a move branded a "stain" on the Labour Party. Charities hit out after the Government's stripped-down Universal Credit Bill passed its final Commons hurdle with a majority of 94. They warned it would have a devastating impact on those whose payments are slashed. It comes after Keir Starmer and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall were forced to make major concessions last week. Ministers backed raising the Universal Credit standard allowance at least in line with inflation - a move they say will see four million households £725 a year better off. But the Bill will see new claimants who sign up to health-related payments receive a lower rate. Backbencher Rachael Maskell - who voted against the Government - told the Commons: "To pass this Bill tonight will leave such a stain on this great party founded on the values of equality and justice." The limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) benefit will be roughly halved for those who claim it from April 2026, unless they are terminally ill or meet a set of "severe conditions criteria". See if your MP supported the Bill using our tool below, and scroll down to see a full list of Labour rebels Pre-2026 claimants will receive £423.27 but new claimants will receive £217.26. Juliet Tizzard, Director of External Relations at Parkinson's UK, said: "The government's decision to cut Universal Credit costs is appalling. We believe that, despite the government's claims, savings are being made by effectively making people with Parkinson's ineligible for the higher rate health element. "The Bill clearly states that someone must be constantly unable to do certain tasks to qualify. This will penalise people with Parkinson's, whose symptoms come and go. Until we can be certain that people with fluctuating conditions will not be penalised, we'll continue campaigning for a fair system. "We're thankful to the MPs who tried to stop the changes to Universal Credit, and for every campaigner who raised their voice. We stopped the cuts to PIP, and while we're disappointed by the result today, this setback won't stop us." Former Labour MP Zarah Sultana, who last week quit as a Labour member more than a year after having the whip withdrawn, said: "This is a Government not only out of touch but also morally bankrupt. It works for billionaires and big businesses but turns its back on disabled people." But the Government argues reform is badly needed to better support people getting back into work. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: 'Our reforms are built on the principle of fairness, fixing a system that for too long has left people trapped in a cycle of dependence. We are giving extra support to millions of households across the country, while offering disabled people the chance to work without fear of the repercussions if things don't work out. 'These reforms will change the lives of people across the country, so they have a real chance for a better future.' The Government had initially proposed limiting access to personal independence payments (PIP) and health aspects of Universal Credit. Its own analysis suggested this would drag 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 childrens. The controversial measures were set to save around £5billion a year. But outraged Labour MPs refused to back the Bill, prompting the Government to announce a review of PIP headed by DWP minister Sir Stephen TImms. No changes to PIP will be made until this is complete, rebels were told in a massive concession. Earlier this week the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the changes will now pull 50,000 children out of poverty. Helen Barnard, director of policy, research and impact at food bank charity Trussell, said: 'We are deeply concerned about the cuts being made to Universal Credit health payments for disabled and ill people applying in the future. "The scale of the remaining cuts in this ill-conceived bill will still be devastating and risks pushing more disabled people to food banks. Life costs more if you're disabled. Cutting this part of our social security system will mean 9 in 10 disabled people newly claiming the Universal Credit health element will miss out on around £3,000 worth of support on average by 2029/30. "It makes no sense to rip support away from people in the future, just because their health has worsened, they become disabled, or their income drops after an arbitrary date. " And Jon Sparkes, chief executive of learning disability charity Mencap said: 'By pushing ahead with these cuts, the Government will leave future claimants £3000 a year worse off. This will condemn disabled people with the most complex needs - people who cannot work and have no alternative income - to poverty and a lifetime of existing rather than living. 'It's important the Government is committed to listening to the needs of disabled people in reforming the PIP system. People with a learning disability should be at the heart of these reforms and we welcome today's commitment and reassurance that this will happen.' Full list of Labour rebels Abtisam Mohamed - Sheffield Central Alison Hume - Scarborough and Whitby Andy McDonald - Middlesbrough and Thornaby East Barry Gardiner - Brent West Bell Ribeiro-Addy - Clapham and Brixton Hill Brian Leishman - Alloa and Grangemouth Cat Eccles - Stourbridge Chris Bloore - Redditch Chris Hinchliff - North East Hertfordshire Dawn Butler - Brent East Derek Twigg - Widnes and Halewood Diane Abbott - Hackney North and Stoke Newington Emma Lewell - South Shields Euan Stainbank - Falkirk Graham Stringer - Blackley and Middleton South Grahame Morris - Easington Ian Byrne - Liverpool West Derby Ian Lavery - Blyth and Ashington Imran Hussain - Bradford East Irene Campbell - North Ayrshire and Arran Jon Trickett - Normanton and Hemsworth Jonathan Brash - Hartlepool Kate Osborne - Jarrow and Gateshead East Kim Johnson - Liverpool Riverside Lee Barron - Corby and East Northamptonshire Lorraine Beavers - Blackpool North and Fleetwood Margaret Mullane - Dagenham and Rainham Marie Rimmer - St Helens South and Whiston Marsha De Cordova - Battersea Mary Glindon - Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend Mary Kelly Foy - City of Durham Maureen Burke - Glasgow North East Mohammad Yasin - Bedford Nadia Whittome - Nottingham East Navendu Mishra - Stockport Neil Duncan-Jordan - Poole Olivia Blake - Sheffield Hallam Paula Barker - Liverpool Wavertree Peter Dowd - Bootle Rachael Maskell - York Central Rebecca Long Bailey - Salford Richard Burgon - Leeds East Rosena Allin-Khan - Tooting Simon Opher - Stroud Stella Creasy - Walthamstow Tracy Gilbert - Edinburgh North and Leith
Daily Mail
13 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
IAIN DUNCAN SMITH: Britain's broken welfare system costs billions and traps claimants in long-term dependency
Sometimes you come across a statistic that stops you in your tracks. Soon, the welfare system will pay £2,500 more to someone on benefits than the post-tax earnings of someone working full time on the national living wage. New research by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) shows that, by 2026, an out-of-work claimant receiving average Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) due to ill health will receive £25,000 a year, compared with the £22,500 a full-time worker on the minimum wage would take home after tax. In other cases, such as a single parent claiming for anxiety and a child with ADHD, total annual support can reach nearly £37,000 – over £14,000 more than a full-time job. Let's be clear, this isn't a swipe at claimants – many of whom are trying to do right by themselves and their families. But it must be a wake-up call for policymakers. A system designed to protect those in genuine need now appears to disincentivise work, trap people in long-term dependency, and leave them without meaningful support to recover. Before Covid, in my role as Work and Pensions Secretary, my reforms saw unemployment benefits capped and UC introduced so that jobseekers were always better off in work. We then saw record employment, over one million more disabled people in work, and workless households falling to their lowest level ever. But since the lockdowns of 2020, which saw assessments relaxed, long-term sickness claims have exploded, rising to almost 3,000 per day. The number of people receiving PIP for anxiety and depression has trebled. Meanwhile, the number of households where no one has ever worked has doubled. We now spend more on health and disability benefits than ever before – and are on course to reach £100billion by the end of the decade, at a time when, as the Office for Budget Responsibility warned this week, we are in a fiscally 'vulnerable position '. Pumping in ever more money without reform is not sustainable, nor is it compassionate. To their credit, some ministers recognise this challenge. Liz Kendall is right to want to bring welfare costs under control and to address the surge in claims since the pandemic, particularly for mental health. But there's a world of difference between rushed cuts and lasting reform. The Treasury's push to get quick savings on the books in time for the Spring resulted in a botched top-slicing operation, which would leave many of those most in need with less support, and ultimately a U-turn that leaves the system unreformed and the taxpayer £3billion worse off. The answer lies in rebalancing the system. Real reform means tightening eligibility for those with less severe mental health conditions and reinvesting in proven support. These proposals are assisted by the fact that ESA (an earlier sickness benefit) is now rolling into UC, providing more levers to help people back to work. With the NHS recognising that employment is a health treatment for many people with mental health conditions, UC can help make these proposed reforms deliver that. The CSJ's research shows that more than £7billion could be saved through this approach, a portion of which should be used to radically expand NHS Talking Therapies and set up a National Work and Health Service to stop people spiralling out of work in the first place. This is, I believe, the unfinished business of welfare reform. And it is the path to building a system fit for the 2030s: one that protects the vulnerable, supports people towards independence, and always makes work pay. The sooner we return to that principle, the better – for individuals, for families, and for the country.
