Parkinson's Disease Society Comments On Queen's Speech, UK

Main Category: Parkinson's Disease
Article Date: 05 Dec 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Welfare Reform Bill:

Steve Ford, CEO of the Parkinson's Disease Society said:

"Nearly half of people of working age with Parkinson's are on Incapacity Benefits.

"Parkinson's disease is a complex and fluctuating condition, with the potential for someone affected to appear healthy one minute, but to be incapacitated the next.

"We are concerned that the new Work Capability Assessments have the potential to deem someone with Parkinson's capable of seeking work when they are not, and being forced to go through work-seeking activities under threat of sanctions when they are not well enough.

"It is vital that Work Capability Assessors have had training on complex disorders like Parkinson's so no-one is unfairly accused of being a benefits cheat."

About the Parkinson's Disease Society

The Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) is the leading authority in the UK on the condition and a world leader in research. We campaign for a better quality of life for people with Parkinson's wherever they live in the UK. We provide expert information on all aspects of Parkinson's and a local support network for people with Parkinson's, their carers, families and friends. We are the UK's leading non-commercial funder of research into the cause, prevention and improved management of Parkinson's and are confident that our work will help lead to a cure. We are totally dependent on voluntary donations.

Our freephone Helpline, which provides help and advice to all people affected by Parkinson's, can be reached by calling 0808 800 0303 Monday-Friday 9.30am-9pm and Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm.

We are a membership organisation but support all people affected by Parkinson's.

Parkinson's Disease Society