"Amanda has recently split from a 19 year relationship. Her partner was in full time work. Went to housing benefit to claim council tax and housing benefit and was told to claim online. Amanda can't operate a computer but a friend helped her. She finds it difficult to understand forms. Would have been happier to fill in a paper form but was not given this choice. The jobcentre rang to confirm what she had entered online and asked her to go for interview. She was told she should leave her 12 and 10 year old children alone whilst she went to work. Understandably, she won't do this. Gone to doctor and has sick note for two weeks. No compassion shown for her situation - she understands that the government say women have to work but her whole world has just been turned upside down. Told she was fit to work 16hrs a week which would increase when children back at school. Will not leave her children alone all day."
Our thanks to Amanda for sharing her story with us and to the volunteer who took these notes on her behalf.
