News

Two people with learning difficulties who had their benefits books ripped up in front of them by a Jobcentre Plus officer have had them reinstated.

The officer took the action after deciding that the pair could not manage their finances. A third person with learning difficulties living in the same flat in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, has also had the book replaced after it was removed.

The trio received new books after Gateshead Council asked Jobcentre Plus to reassess their cases. Agency staff are now to go on awareness training in light of the incidents.


A council spokesperson said: "Employees are keen to take up awareness training from Advocacy Gateshead and current procedures are to be reviewed in September."

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said it was standard practice to destroy benefits books immediately if it was felt their safety could not be assured.