Just another brief detour into the world of disability and the DWP. You'll probably all hear a lot about 'Work Conversations' over the next few months as people get pushed into them. When a disabled person gets put onto ESA (the benefit if you're unable to work due to ill health), they'll be expected (ie sanctioned if they don't attend) to head to one of the remaining job centres and partake (ie sanctioned if they don't) in a conversation based upon what's stopping them from working and how to fix it (no sanctions if you don't do this bit afterwards).
The whole thing is based upon the idea that the real problem with disabled people is that they just aren't positive enough. They don't have the right mindset to go to work. A growth mindset. This is the highly scientific evidence used to train Work Coaches in this concept:
SourceSee the yellow blobs? They happen when you have a growth mindset.
It's like a really shite version of CBT but with added potential for really damaging people by placing them within a set of false assumptions.
Dr.Jay Watts, consultant clinical psychologist, has described the dangers in terms of mental health: "Guilt and shame are central to so many mental health problems (and obviously the governmental discourse have made many claimants feel like this). This form [used in the conversation] will press on those emotions, making life more unbearable and increasing suicide risk. The suggestions in the form that this is not for now will not help. They set up a trajectory of moving to work which is not achievable for many, making people feel they do not have a worth otherwise. This is not only unethical but will end up increasing healthcare costs."
As I said, expect to hear more about this as people get sanctioned for being too ill to attend, too ill to have the conversation, and need help after being told that the only problem they have is one they should be able to fix with a quick session of inspiration porn.