A petition demanding that the DWP publish employment and support allowance (ESA) death statistics was launched on Change.org yesterday and has so far attracted over 400 signatures.{jcomments on}
ESA ‘death statistics’ cover the number of ESA claimants who have died soon after being found fit for work, as well as those who died after being placed in the work-related activity group.
A previous release of ESA death figures caused such controversy that the DWP have since refused to publish updated statistics.
Vox Political blogger and campaigner Mike Sivier recently won his case before the Information Commissioner for the release of updated statistics, but the DWP appealed against the decision at the last minute. The appeals process can be strung out for up to a decade by challenging the decision at ever higher courts.
The petition on Change.org is an attempt to pressure Iain Duncan Smith to withdraw his appeal.
You can sign the petition here.
