Academic Bodies Express Concerns on Impact of Budget Cuts

The cuts announced by the Coalition Government are likely to impact the groups in society least able to cope say academics.

The Institute of Fiscal Studies' (IFS) analysis of the budget reforms concludes that they represent a regressive outcome for most income distributions with the least well off being hit the hardest.  James Brown an analyst at the institute stated, “Overall, families with children seem to be the biggest losers.”  The IFS also warn that in their view further tax increases or deeper spending cuts will be necessary.

Academics from Stirling University have expressed concerns about implications for health and safety at work in a letter published in the Herald.  They highlight the devastating impact of swingeing cuts to local authority budgets and in particular, the Health and Safety Executive which stands to see reduction in funding of 35% over the next four years.  Services and support for workers with occupational illnesses and injuries has been significantly reduced and these groups also face increased poverty due to welfare reforms.

“Injured and sick workers will see benefits withdrawn or squeezed, greatly increasing poverty and related ill-health. Instead of support, they will be ordered to find work they are not fit to do in jobs that do not exist.”

The letter was signed by members of the Occupational and Environmental Health Research group at Stirling University.

Source:  The Herald

Tags: Disability, Employment Issues, Finance, Policy, Welfare