Domestic Abuse is the largest reason for Homelessness in Gateshead

Sickfluencers: Are they impacting the Department for Work and Pensions?

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It’s been reported that so called ADHD ‘sickfluencers’ or rather, ‘sick influencers’ has supposedly driven a surge in the number of people with self-diagnosed mental health conditions, who are using a £69,000-a year disability benefits scheme. It’s also been reported that the Department of Work and Pensions is increasingly concerned at the rising costs, as around a third of all demand is now led by people claiming financial support for mental health conditions.

A more sustainable future at Hackney City Farm

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Families across London are being urged to rethink their relationship with nature and sustainability as three quarters (74%) of children in the capital have seen more wildlife on a phone than in real life.

Glaswegians share their thoughts on AI taking over jobs

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We ask the people of Glasgow what they think about replacing workers with AI technology in supermarkets.

‘Sickfluencers’: How are they impacting the Department for Work and Pensions?

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It’s been reported that so called ADHD ‘sickfluencers’ or rather, ‘sick influencers’ has supposedly driven a surge in the number of people with self-diagnosed mental health conditions, who are using a £69,000-a year disability benefits scheme. It’s also been reported that the Department of Work and Pensions is increasingly concerned at the rising costs, as around a third of all demand is now led by people claiming financial support for mental health conditions. The rise in people using the Access to Work scheme, comes following an increase in advice from influencers discussing the scheme online. Since, dozens of users online have posted videos showcasing the benefits of the Access to Work scheme. Though, The Telegraph has reported that no individual with a mental health or behavioural condition is so far known to have claimed £69,000 in one year. A DWP spokesperson said: 'Access to Work is aimed at helping disabled people overcome barriers within the workplace, and while we cannot comment on specific cases, any support provided is vetted by trained staff to ensure it is appropriate and proportionate.”

Are disability benefits being abused?

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Some social media influencers have been criticised for bragging about claiming disability benefits for conditions like ADHD. We ask locals if they think the system is being abused and what needs to change to ensure fairness.

People on the street: The benefits system

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We went out into the streets of Manchester to ask people about benefits to see if they believe that the current system is working, and whether they believe most people can be trusted to be truthful.

“If you’re ill, you’re ill” - Your thoughts on the current benefits system

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Some social media influencers have been criticised for bragging about claiming disability benefits for conditions like ADHD. Do you think the current system is being abused and what needs to change?

‘For people that need it, don’t cut it!’ Londoners on benefit bill

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After a TikToker recieved backlash for ‘bragging’ about ADHD benefits, we ask Londoners whether they think the government should be fairer or harsher with benefit spending.

WHSmith’s plans for the high street and travel sector

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WHSmith is in discussion to sell its high street division of stores. The retailer has said it is shifting its focus to its more profitable travel retail business in airports, train stations and hospitals. At the moment, the high street stores contribute just 15% of the groups annual trading profit. WHSmith is set to close 17 stores.

Disability benefits- is the system being abused?

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Some social media influencers have been criticised for bragging about claiming benefits for conditions like ADHD- do you think the current system is being abused and what needs to change?