A benefits claimant has stated that individuals often face difficulties in finding employment because suitable jobs are not perceived as 'meaningful.' Gigi El-Halaby, who receives Personal Independence Payment (PIP), shared her perspective during a discussion on persistent unemployment, particularly among those with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
El-Halaby explained that a significant challenge she has encountered is the availability of jobs that align with her specific circumstances. "A really big one is that jobs need to be meaningful, and it can't just be put into any work," she said in an interview. "I think work can be good for your mental health and bad work can be really terrible for it."
Broadcaster Simon Marks countered that many people work in roles they do not find particularly meaningful, often taking jobs to earn a living. He noted that society cannot exclusively create positions that every employee would consider meaningful. However, El-Halaby agreed, adding that for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, finding meaning and purpose in their work is essential for recovery. "If we're talking about getting people who are mentally unwell to a better place, ultimately finding meaning and purpose in their life is going to be a really important part to get them out of that hole."
She also emphasized the importance of workplace accessibility. "I've been in many workplace environments where it has not been accessible for me," El-Halaby stated. "Ultimately, for example, working in Boots is not an accessible job for me. And for some people, it will be."
These comments emerge as the government intensifies its focus on moving individuals receiving benefits into employment. The government's Jobs Guarantee initiative began placing eligible young people into paid work this year. This program is open to 18 to 24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit for at least 18 months, with the government funding up to 25 hours of paid work weekly for a six-month period. More than 90,000 jobs are anticipated to be created by 2029 under this scheme.
PIP is a benefit available to individuals aged 16 and over who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects their ability to perform daily activities or move around. It is intended to help with the additional living costs associated with such conditions. Eligibility is determined by how a person's condition impacts them, rather than their employment status. Claimants can receive PIP even if they are working or have savings.
El-Halaby, who has been receiving PIP for 18 months, shared that she has struggled with her mental and physical health since childhood, with a COVID infection leading to a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, and other psychiatric disorders.
The government released the interim report of the Timms Review on July 9, the first comprehensive review of PIP since 2013. The review received over 38,000 responses, with 90% of participants reporting negative experiences. The report concluded that the benefit is not fit for purpose and described the assessment process as "dehumanising," "degrading," and "stressful."