WORK CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT WCA fails to recognise the impact of HIV on the ability to work, according to a new research carried out by National AIDS Trust NAT.

The test was brought in to determine whether a person is eligible for Employment  Support Allowance ESA and has caused a rift between the government disability charities

Chris Grayling, employment minister commented this week that, three out of four people applying for ESA were fit for to work.  But charities say that the assessment will force sick people back into the work-force before they are ready.

NAT’s report Unseen disability, Unmet needs found that the WCA does not reflect the impact of fluctuating symptoms such as fatigue, depression and drug side-effects.

The report also found that there was a continued ignorance about HIV amongst medical assessors and decision makers, reducing the likelihood of a fair and accurate assessment on a claimant’s ability to work and need for disability-related benefits.

Figures show that as many as 68 per cent have failed the assessment. However, 40 per cent have had ESA granted after appeal, highlighting the poor standard of the assessments.

Deborah Jack, NAT, CEO, said: “HIV is a disability, and like many other disabilities, people living with HIV can have vastly varying experiences relating to their condition.  Whilst some find they can still work, many others find the impact of HIV or their treatment means employment is not an option at the moment and they need to claim disability related benefits.

‘As it currently stands, the WCA is based on an outdated model of disability which only recognises a narrow medically defined set of physical and mental impairments. Also, it does not appropriately acknowledge the fluctuating nature of the condition and the impact that low self esteem – due to HIV related stigma – can have on a person’s ability to work.”

Lizzie Iron, Citizens Advice head of welfare policy warned:”Seriously ill and disabled people are being severely let down by the crude approach of the Work Capability Assessment.

“The government urgently needs to address the problems with the test for ESA which are causing hardship to seriously ill people at a time when they most need support.”

NAT has submitted their finding to the Independent Review of WCA. It is hoped that they will be fully considered before any new rules are finalised and come into effect.

ENDS

To download the NAT report go: www.nat.org.uk

Key findings from the report include:

• The WCA does not take into consideration key HIV clinical markers, such as CD4 count.
• WCA decision makers often give greater weight to the opinions of those contracted to make the medical assessment, rather than HIV clinicians and other specialists.
• A wide range of problems with administration and communication of the WCA process materially disadvantage claimants, and the stress and pressure of the process impacts negatively on their health.
• Claimants going through the medical examination do not always have the opportunity to discuss the important issues around how their HIV affects their physical and mental health.

Case Study – Tim

Tim is a young man who applied for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) with the help of his aunt and an HIV specialist benefits adviser.  At the time of completing his ESA50 form, Tim’s CD4 count was 19.  Medical evidence from his doctor explained that at the time of diagnosis, Tim had a CD4 count of 0 and PCP, a form of pneumonia associated with a low CD4 count.

Despite providing information about his blood test results, these were not discussed at the medial examination.  The HCP’s record of the examination noticed, contradictorily, that Tim experienced ‘no side-effects’ but that he experienced diarrhoea as a result of his medication.  The HCP also concluded that Tim did not score any points under the incontinence descriptor.

Tim was found fit for work.  His doctor submitted further medical evidence but the case still ended up at appeal.  Tim’s adviser said that, “on the day, we won that appeal, without me having to say a word or even sit down…The judge looked up and said, “oh – ESA successful, he’s in the support group, that’s not a problem.”

Tim is now in the support group of ESA.

The Comprehensive Spending Review has received much criticism over the past few days.

None more notably than by the respected Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) which have warned that Osborn’s cuts are regressive and that cuts in public services, housing benefit and DLA will significantly hit the poorest households hardest.

It is of no surprise then that community leaders such as Deborah Jack have also been vocal in their own opposition to the cuts and the impact it will have on the HIV community.

The Chancellor’s decision to put a one year time limit on the length of time a person can claim employment support allowance (ESA) is of particular concern, and as the National AIDS Trust’s CEO points out; “the move is likely to be detrimental to all people living with a disability, including HIV.

“What the Government has failed to take into account – whilst they can put a one year time limit on ESA – there is not a one year time limit on a person’s disability, or on the stigma and discrimination unfortunately associated with it. This is the reality of the situation people living with HIV face.

“The test in place for assessing a person’s eligibility for ESA is already incredibly stringent and only those living with physical or mental impairments deemed severe enough can pass. So for the government to announce that these people will now only be able to receive this benefit for a year is essentially penalising them with a time limit that is in no way relevant or reflective of their individual situation.

“People living with HIV are already in a position of vulnerability due to the attitudes of society and the nature of their long term condition, which can involve fluctuating symptoms. NAT’s new report Poverty and HIV has revealed at least one in six people living with HIV in the UK have experienced severe poverty, and this has dramatically increased over recent years.

Following this Spending Review, the poverty crisis for people living with HIV is set to get worse. A one year time limit on ESA will simply exacerbate the cyclical nature of HIV and poverty.”

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust)

George Osborne

“Vive la Revolution Republic” This week the French managed to bring their country to a standstill because their government wants to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62!

It was a site to behold, our banner waving French neighbours marching (and rioting) from Paris to Leon. But I wonder how they view us here in the UK?  As we sit sipping tea, silent, our blood boiling, as the new Lib-Con Coalition present a government spending review that will save 81 billion, but hurt the poorest 10 per cent.

As George Osborne announced the final departmental spending cuts on Wednesday , it was the sinister smiles from the ministers who manage those departments that give away the underlying agenda of the coalition, revealing that ideological change is firmly at the heart of these cuts and that getting the country back on-track was the justifiable smoke screen.

But not everyone’s blood is boiling, many view these cuts essential and are supported by 60 per cent of the populace, passing many of then by. Infact, the goverment expect a surge in opinion polls in their favour. So when it comes to revolution, I will not hold my breath.

Areas of concern for people living with HIV and far reaching and will affect: the most vulnerable and sick, the homeless, single people and mothers with small children.

CONTRIBUTION BASED ESA REMOVED AFTER ONE YEAR

The welfare budget received extra attention yesterday with 7 billion in cuts announced, bringing in an estimated 18 billion of savings by 2014/15. With those in receipt of housing benefit, disability payments and tax credits taking the brunt.

One of the most controversial announcements yesterday was with regard to the employment and support allowance (ESA) the new benefit for people who can’t work due to illness or disability.

Since October 2008, ESA has been phased in to replace incapacity benefit for new claimants.  Existing claimants of incapacity benefit will be gradually moved over the ESA from February 2011.

There are two types of ESA. Contributory ESA is paid to people who satisfy the national insurance conditions. It is not means tested.  Income-related ESA is paid if you pass the means test. It is for people who are on low income and incapable of work. You don’t have to satisfy NI conditions.

Those in the: support group category that are severely disabled or terminally ill will not be affected by the one year rule. However, those in the: work related activity group who need the support before they return to work, will loose their benefit after a year, even  if they have not recovered and  are in reciept of contribution based ESA.

This has prompted a back lash from charities. Deborah Jack, CEO of the National Aids Trust (NAT) has criticising the Chancellor’s decision to put a one year time limit on the length of time a person can claim ESA, pointing out that it is likely to be detrimental to those living with a disability, including people living with HIV. See the fornt page for Jack’s reaction to the cuts.

I can also reveal that where the Work Capability Assessments has been used to assess new benefits claimants with illness and disability as many, as 68 per cent have failed the assessment. However, 50 per cent  have had a ESA granted after appeala, highlighting the poor standard of the assessments.

In another worrying development, those that are returned to job seekers allowance will loose 10 per cent of their housing benefit after one year, if they are still unemployed.

SHARED ROOM RATE TO BE EXTENDED 35 YEAR OLDS

The single room restriction on housing benefit that applies to the under 25 now, will be raised to 35 from April 2012. This will affect anyone living with HIV that is not in receipt of middle and high rates of DLA or living in social housing. Anyone that wants to live alone will have to share or make up the difference from their benefit.

In the emergency budget in June the Chancellor set a maximum local housing allowance. Meaning that there will be a cap on how much housing benefit you cam claim based on the size of your property and the area that you live in.

TAX CREDITS FROZEN

The tax credit freeze will have an impact on both families and single people that have returned to work and are on low incomes. Because there will be no inflationary rise in tax credits for this parliament, many will find that they are worse of a few years down the line.

DLA

We heard about the changes to changes to DLA in the emergency budget back in June when welfare cuts came in at 11 billion. However, I will recap anyway because I have learnt today from the Terrence Higgins Trust THT that the government have admitted that there are only 0.5 per cent of fraudulent DLA claims, but still seem committed to reaching their 20 per cent reduction in claimants, meaning that some people who should be entitled to the benefit will loose out because of targets.

SOCIAL HOUSING AT RISK FROM THE TORIES AGAIN!

The link between bad health and housing amongst people living with HIV is well documented. Many housing professionals have little understanding of the condition and remain unaware of the effect poor housing can have on the lives of those with HIV according to a joint study by NAT and Shelter in 2009.

Changes to social housing include:

• new tenants will be given a new type of council tenancy instead of the current secure tenancy.
• tenants’ circumstances will be assessed after a period of time to see if they still need subsidised housing.
• those whose financial circumstances have improved are likely to have to buy a home on the open market or rent from a private landlord (even if they can’t afford it).

The changes will not affect you if you are an existing tenant – it will only apply to people who are allocated a home after the legislation has been implemented.

The last 15 years have been complete disaster for social housing. It is true there have been more homes built, but what of the quality of those homes? Some housing associations have become debt heavy and were hit hard in the housing slump and many councils totally gave up and farmed out their housing stock to Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMO’s).

There has been no real vision or national plan for social housing, and it has been communities that have paid the price. However, housing associations have enough spare cash to borrow up to £2.7 billion, according to a new study by the Tenant Services Authority.

So why have the government waded in with sweeping reforms and massive cuts in the housing budget? Simple answer, they have no interest in the concept of social housing.  Margret Thatcher gloriously demonstrated the fact back in the 80s, when she created a housing boom with the sale of council houses, pocketing the cash to-boot. Councils never recovered.

Shelter’s chief executive Campbell Robb said: “It is a huge blow to see that housing, one of the most basic needs for every single person in this country, is facing some of the biggest cuts. A succession of governments has failed to address our housing crisis and today’s announcements suggest the coalition has firmly joined them in denying responsibility for  an entire generation’s ability to access decent, secure, affordable housing.”

The average rent for a three-bedroom council house is £85 a week (outside of London), but under the plans that could triple to £250 a week. The idea of asking tenants to pay for housing development is ludicrous, a concept in my opinion we should resist vigorously.

TOUGH TIMES AHEAD

So there you have it, a spending review that will have far reaching implications for many people living with HIV. For years now Cameron has created a mirage of a NEW Tory that listens and understands the needs of the most vulnerable in our society, a deception that unravelled yesterday, and one for the history books no doubt.

If Lady Thatcher was not in in hospital I am sure she would be patting David on the back and saying “Well done my boy, well done .” I doubt we will manage to replicate the French’s taste for disorderly or orderly behaviour, but I suspect that activists around the UK will be waiting for their moment to strike. “Vive la Revolution.”

To find out how the cuts will affect you go to www.tht.org.uk

To back shelters campaign for affordable housing go to www.shelter.org.uk

There has been a dramatic increase in poverty levels experienced by people living with HIV in recent years, according to research carried out by the NAT (National AIDS Trust) and Terrence Higgins Trust (THT).

The report ‘Poverty and HIV’ reveals that one in six people diagnosed HIV  experienced poverty between 2006 and 2009. The report also states that, without determined Government action the poverty crisis for people living with HIV is set to get worse.

New figures reveal, recipients of grants from the Crusaid Hardship Fund, now run by THT, had an average weekly income of just £42 per week – less than half of the income they had 10 years ago (£93) –  most had income at only 20 per cent of the average income for a single person and many have no income at all.

Nick Partridge, Chief Executive of THT said: “The level of poverty people with HIV are experiencing across the UK has dramatically increased over recent years. Where the Hardship Fund used to buy people a fridge or pay for respite care, now it mainly goes on basic survival, food, clothes, a bed.”

The report analyses the underlying reasons why people with HIV face poverty.  Over a quarter (29 per cent) of applications to the Hardship Fund cited the immigration system as the primary reason for poverty.

In October 2009, the Government support for single asylum seekers was reduced from £64.30 to £35.13 a week – just £5 a day. A further 17 per cent of applications said that problems relating to the benefits system were their main cause of hardship.  Problems included awaiting a benefit decision, changes to the benefit system or delays in receiving benefits they were entitled to.

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT said: “ Charities are picking up the pieces of a poverty crisis in the UK, but there is only so much the sectors limited funds can do.  The Government needs to address the underlying causes of this hardship, some of which it has been responsible for creating.

“Granting asylum seekers the right to work after six months and ensuring people are not left in poverty while waiting for their benefits to be processed are two crucial steps that would release many people with HIV out of the poverty trap.”

The report identifies twenty recommendations that would address the root causes of poverty amongst people living with HIV.

ENDS

To read the report go to www.nat.ork.uk

THE TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST (THT) has announced the reopening of the national Hardship Fund for people living with HIV/Aids.

The fund, previously known as the Crusaid Hardship Fund and managed by the charity, fell into financial difficulty earlier this year, following a down-turn in donations during the recession. This culminated in the Hardships Funds suspension in March and Crusaid to seek a merger with the THT in June.

The THT will run as an ‘interim’ Hardship Fund until the results of a full strategic review are carried out by the organisation, followed by a relaunch in spring 2011. Until that time the Hardship Fund will offer grants of up to £100 to those living below the Income Support threshold.

Jordan Hay, the former Chief Executive of Crusaid, who brokered the controversial merger between the two charities, is no longer working for the charity. However, a spokesperson for the THT confirm that, Walk for Life - Crusaid’s main fundraising source for the Hardship Fund – would go ahead in June next year.

Sir Nick Partridge, Chief Executive of THT, said: “In the current economic climate, it is vital that people living with HIV receive the support that they need. Research tells us nearly one in three people with HIV have ongoing problems getting enough money to live on, which has clear implications for how they manage their condition.

“For years the Hardship Fund has been an important resource, making a real difference to the lives of people with HIV, and THT is fully committed to preserving its legacy. We are working hard to get the national fund fully operational by next spring, and in the meantime we hope our interim fund will continue to help those who need it most.”

Right now, a person can only apply to the interim Hardship Fund once, with new criteria expected to be in place by April 2011, giving clearer guidelines. Under the old rules, a person could apply to the fund every six months until they had reached a specific financial limit.

For the moment there are thirteen referral agency’s: THT Scotland; Belfast Social Services; THT Cymru; Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle; George House Trust, Manchester; Leicestershire AIDS Support Services; Sheffield Social Services; Yorkshire MESMAC; THT Coventry; Positive East, London; Lighthouse South, London; THT South; THT Direct.

People living with HIV who are in financial difficulty can contact THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200, to receive advice on what assistance may be available in their area.

For enquiries about the Hardship Fund and interim fund, please contact Steven Inman on (020) 7812 1886, or email hardship.crusaid@tht.org.uk.

www.worldaidsday.org

ORGANISED sporting evens have never been more popular. From triathlons to open swimming events and the heady heights of the half and full marathon, more and more people are prepared to have a go: often raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes.

If you fancy you fancy a 5k challenge, why not join Positive East and their supporters in Richmond Park on the 21 November for their first ever World Aids Day 5K Fun Run. You would be helping them to secure HIV services for one of London’s oldest HIV charities.

Mark Santos, Positive East Director said: “HIV remains a real and sometimes enormous challenge for individuals and communities across London.  The 5k Red Run is a fun opportunity to join us in the fight against HIV through raising awareness and much needed funds for our work.

“Over 26,000 people in London are living with HIV and this figure will continue to rise over the coming years. HIV remains a highly stigmatised health condition; significant numbers of people are living in poverty; and many are struggling with being able to keep healthy and well.  Our services and support are essential to enable people living with HIV to overcome barriers to live full and healthy lives,” added Santos.

Positive East has worked with over 2500 HIV-positive residents in North East London. The charities main focus has been enabling  people to live well with HIV through promoting health and wellbeing and offer a range of services including: advice, advocacy, counselling and support groups.

It is really easy to sign up for the 5k Red Run and make a difference for World AIDS Day 2010. The 5K Red Run is FREE to enter and families, running teams are all welcome. Sign up and pledge to raise £50 or more in sponsorship.

21 November – Richmond Park – All proceeds will be donated to Positive East. Register online at www.5K-red-run.org.uk or contact Mark Butcher by email on: mark.butcher@positiveeast.org.uk or call 0207 791 9353. www.positiveeast.org.uk

LAST WEEK in New York the Global fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria failed to reach its goal of $20 billion in international contributions.

The fund received pledges of $11.7 billion making the fund $1.3 billion short of the $13 billion – its lowest fundraising target – needed to continue existing programs.

However, the new funding is up $2 billion from the $9.7 billion committed to the Global Fund in Berlin in 2007.

More than 40 countries, the European Commission, faith-based organisations, private foundations, and corporations committed funding at the pledging session in New York’s, United Nations. The UK pledge was £384 million or $607.4 million US Dollars.

But not everyone was so generous, Italy and Spain gave nothing to the fund and South Africa, which has the world’s most serious AIDS epidemic, made a contribution of only $2 million.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “At a time when so many Governments are tightening their belts at home, these commitments send a powerful message: It shows how seriously world leaders want to do the right thing beyond their borders, too. It shows they understand the importance of health for all people.

“We need even more contributions by the private sector… and we must bring new donors to the table. Our work is about more than replenishing a fund; it is about replenishing hope and dignity in people’s lives.” added Ki-moon.

Dr. Michel Kazatchkine, the fund’s executive director said: “No one now on treatment will be cut off, but targets for the next few years must be lowered.”

The world’s population made its voice heard the day before the pledges, when the Global Fund present the results of the Born HIV Free campaign – fronted by Ambassador Carla Bruni-Sarkozy – since its launch in May 2010, the campaign has resulted in 700,000 people signing up in support of the Global Fund and had more than 20 million respondents and 250 million viewers: Sending a strong message to world leaders that they support those living with HIV and want the HIV pandemic brought under control.

With an estimated 33 million people infected with HIV – a figure that goes up year on year – the fund manages to pay for HIV drugs for three million. However, it is estimated that as many as 14 million have reached a stage in the disease were life saving treatment is vital to save their lives.

The fund did get an unexpected boost from the media, when a number European newspapers offered the organisation free full page advertisements including the UK’s Financial Times and The Independent.

ENDS

NAZ PROJECT the London based HIV and sexual health charity that provides services to the black, Minority and Ethnic communities (BME) is facing closure, and needs to raise 75k to keep existing projects up-and-running.

The charity that was founded 20 years ago has launched an urgent appeal to raise the money and has given itself till the end of October to achieve the target or face closure. At present they have pledges amounting to £5,635.

Bryan Teixeira, Chief Executive, told PinkPaper.com: “We are asking our supporters to invest in sustaining one of the premier BME sexual health and HIV organisations in the UK. And we need that investment now.

“While other sectors get bailouts, specialist charities like Naz Project that are addressing the ever widening gap in health inequalities in our Big Society must not be left to go to the wall.”

Parminder Sekhon, the Deputy Chief Executive, blames the organisations financial problems on the after-effect of recession and told PinkPaper.com that despite the recession starting in 2008: “We all knew that the real impact for the voluntary sector would be 2010.”

“The impact of NAZ disappearing from the sexual health landscape in London and nationally will be the slowing down and eventual reverse of what has been achieved to reduce prejudice and stigma experienced by BME people living with HIV,” the charity said in a statement on its website.

If you would like to donate to this urgent appeal click here for details:  www.virginmoneygiving.com

If you would like to find out more about the vital work that the Naz Project is involved in, go to:  www.naz.org.uk