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

‘NAT welcomes the House of Lords’ resounding rejection of Government proposals to restrict the availability of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and place a one-year time limit on ESA claims.  This is a clear message to the Government that people with disabilities, including those living with HIV, should not be made to suffer in order to reduce the deficit.  People with HIV who receive ESA have been identified as having significant health related barriers to work and these do not come with a convenient time-limit.  We urge the Government to accept the Lords’ amendment when the Bill returns to the Commons.’ 

- Ends -

Notes to the editor:

NAT is a member of the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) and as a member of this coalition actively supported this amendment as it was proposed in the House of Lords.
http://www.disabilityalliance.org/dbc.htm

For further information please contact:
Charli Scouller
Communications Manager  
NAT
020 7814 6733
press@nat.org.uk

NAT
NAT (National AIDS Trust) is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV. We provide fresh thinking, expertise and practical resources. We champion the rights of people living with HIV and campaign for change.
Shaping attitudes. Challenging injustice. Changing lives.
www.nat.org.uk