Disabled man's desperate choice

A DISABLED Suffolk man rapidly running out of money after his benefits were suddenly stopped is today considering returning to work despite his doctor's advice.

Trevor Addison, 48, has not worked for four years after injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident when he was a teenager resurfaced.

He had been receiving incapacity benefit and disability living allowance of £500 a month.

However, in August last year, his benefits were stopped after a brief assessment of his injuries, which saw him awarded a score of zero, with a minimum of 15 required to receive any money.

Mr Addison, of Abbey Close, Rendlesham, said he has been warned by his GP the problems he has with his leg, pelvis and back mean he should not work under any circumstances.

He instantly appealed against the decision to cancel his benefits, but has heard nothing in the six months which have passed.

He has also enlisted the help of Suffolk Coastal MP John Gummer who is due to look at the particulars of his case.

As his savings run out Mr Addison is now considering the option of ignoring professional advice and returning to work.

He said: “My GP has told me I can't go back to work, but I might have to get a job although I don't know who will employ me. I have enough money to pay rent up until the end of February, but after that I have nothing.

“I know there are certain people who laze around and claim benefits, but I am not in a position to work. I've spoken to people about my situation and they've told me it's all down to politics. But people should try being in my position.”

A spokeswoman for the Department for Work and Pensions said she could not comment on individual cases but added: “Incapacity benefit is for people unable to work because of illness or disability which is assessed through a personal capability assessment.

“This assesses the way in which a customer's illness or disability affects them in carrying out a range of work related activities.”