If you want to really show your support for DPAC Sheffield and their campaign to ensure Personal Independence Payments interviews are recorded you can now get it on your chest.
The local branch of Disabled People Against Cuts has now had t-shirts printed bearing the slogan ‘Put PIP assessments on the record’ which you can buy for £10, or £13 if you need it posted. Money raised will go towards their crowdfunder to buy equipment which can be lent out to disabled people applying for the benefit
The assessments are performed by private contractors Atos and Capita and there has been much controversy over them, with many people claiming that their benefits have been unfairly cut or even removed altogether due to inaccurate reports by the assessors.
Claimants have the right to record their assessments but usually have to supply their own equipment. The DPAC Sheffield kit comes as two portable, PAT tested cassette recorders with blank cassette tapes and a 2-gang extension cord in an aluminium case; strict DWP rules prevent people from using modern electronic recording devices.
They have now raised enough money to buy several sets, one of which is kept at the Disability Sheffield office at The Circle in Sheffield city centre.
If you would like a t-shirt or are undergoing an assessment and want to borrow a recording kit you can email dpacsheffield@gmail.com or contact them through their Facebook or Twitter pages. If you want to use the equipment at Disability Sheffield you should email info@disabilitysheffield.org.uk or telephone Disability Sheffield on 0114 253 6750. Please note that you have to inform the assessment company three working days in advance that you intend recording the meeting.
Pictured modelling the t-shirt is John Quinn, a Disability Sheffield volunteer who was the first person to use the DPAC Sheffield equipment for his assessment.
