Traumatised mother ordered to work test or risk losing all support
Amum who found two of her children murdered by her husband faces a fresh benefits ordeal.
June Thomson has already been stripped of £ 55.10 a week disability payments after an assessment ordered by the Department of Work and Pensions. Now the mum, who has admitted to suicidal feelings, has been ordered to a “back to work” meeting and warned if she fails to attend, all her benefits will be stopped.
June, 58, who now uses her maiden name Martin, said:
“I’d do anything to turn back the clock.
But I can’t. I can’t suddenly be ‘normal’ and go back to work. I’m not fit to hold down a job. I’m a mess.
“It takes me all my time to get dressed most days never mind face the world and go to work.
“I don’t know where to turn to next. I’m left with just a few pounds a week to feed myself, and if it wasn’t for my family, I wouldn’t be here.”
June, who is being supported by her MP Patricia Gibson, was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after finding son Ryan, seven, and disabled daughter Michelle, 27, at the family’s home in Buckhaven, Fife, in 2008.
The children were murdered on their first court ordered home visit to their father Rab after June plucked up the courage to leave after years of beatings and rape.
Now known as the Independent Assessment Service, an nurse from private firm ATOS, who have the contract to do DWP appraisals, reported June’s mental state as “u n re m a r k a b l e” even though she spends days in bed unable to face the world.
A letter from the DWP calling June to meet next week with a “work coach”.
It warned her: “If you don’t attend... your Employment and Support Allowance will be reduced.”
The DWP said:“Our thoughts remain with Ms Martin and we will continue to ensure she is receiving all the benefits she is entitled to as well as offering the support she needs.”