1 March was a National Day of Action called by Disabled People Against Cuts to protest against the Work Capability Assessment, which has led to thousands of disabled people being wrongly found capable of work and subject to job-seeking sanctions and loss of benefits.
Protests at 31 locations across the country under the slogan “Same old circus, new clowns” were aimed at US firm Maximus, which has taken over the WCA after ATOS gave up the contract as a result of public pressure, a backlog of appeals and a failure to make a profit out of disabled people.
The central London demo in Westminster called at Maximus’ offices and the HQ of the Department of Work and Pensions before blocking Victoria Street. John McDonnell spoke and a suitably clownish entertainment made for a loud and fun demonstration.
