Labour is deserting me' Disabled people fear impact of Pip changes

Reducing Pip is not going to be the incentive they think it's going to be to get people into work' Sophia Kleanthous Disabled rights campaigner

- Jessica Murray

Steph Hughes was unable to work for six years when her health deteriorated because of degenerative disc disease and arthritis, and she was then injured in a severe car accident. When she was ready to work again, Pip became the lifeline that helped her get a job - with limited mobility, she used the fund to lease a car to get around independently, as well as pay carers who help her at home.

"I would have only been able to return to work with my Pip," said the 45-year-old who lives in Welshpool, Powys. "If it's reduced or anything like that, it puts me into the position of not being able to afford to go to work.

"For me, having my job is more than earning my wages at the end of the month. It's my purpose. It's my sanity, my identity. I add value to society, to the workforce. But you cut my benefit and I can't do that any more."

The prime minister, Keir Starmer, said the welfare cuts were about reforming a system that "discourages people from working" and said his party "believes in the dignity of work".