Cut Sanctions not Benefits!

Hundreds of Unite Community members gathered outside Parliament before the Autumn Budget today (26 November) as part of a national day of action.

Unite Community called the national day of action to protest against the ongoing cuts and sanctions to people’s benefits, highlighting that one in six claimants are currently working, and to stand in solidarity with disabled people, workers, and show support for their communities.

Unite said that this government has escalated benefit sanctions to a new high, issuing 611,000 sanctions in the last recorded period—the highest number under any government, including previous Labour governments.

Speakers outside Parliament on Budget Day included Unite officers, reps, activists and MPs supporting Unite Communities’ call to cut sanctions not benefits.

As well out the large demonstration outside Parliament, Unite Community held events across the country, and Unite Live will be posting coverage soon.

Below are photos from the Unite Community protest.

Alison Spencer-Scragg Unite National officer for equalities

Steve Witherden MP

PCS President Martin Cavanagh

Martyn Gwyther – Unite National Disabled Members delegate to EC

Neil Duncan-Jordan MP and Andy Mitchell (Unite Community)

Paula Peters – Unite Community and DPAC (Disabled People Against Cuts)

Nicholas Parnell – Unite National Community Coordinator

By Keith Hatch

Photos by Mark Thomas