Sack Maximus!

Today is the day that Maximus takes over the work of ATOS to carry out work capability assessments of disabled people on behalf of the UK Government.  These assessments are often simple tick-box exercises and come out with seriously flawed outcomes.  These outcomes have resulted in people having their benefits cut or withdrawn, being forced on to job search programmes and being put under horrendous amounts of stress.  And to add to all this, the assessment centre in Norwich uses a room which is not accessible to people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

So, to welcome Maximus (same circus, different clowns) protests were held up and down the country.  Here in Norwich disabled people - many of whom are long-term disability rights campaigners - their friends, families, supporters and other activists gathered together outside St Mary's House on Duke Street for one short, action packed hour to raise awareness of this disgrace.

The gathering was peaceful, powerful, noisy and colourful.  The buzz as people talked with each other, made contacts, made plans was amazing.  There were representatives  from Labour, Green, DANDY and Class War parties; from disability rights groups, from the Norfolk People's Assembly and from the Norwich Claimants Union.  In total, about 100 people.

These demonstrations will continue.   More photos of mine can be seen here.