PIP appeals backlog in NI

A backlog of over 4,000 people in NI appealing Personal Independence Payment decisions have been waiting months – often on significantly reduced incomes – to be heard after all appointments were suspended between March and July due to the pandemic. Appeals are now being heard by phone or video link, which can bring added stress and difficulties to vulnerable people.

Failure to reach Living Wage levels

Research by the Living Wage Foundation found that since the pandemic began, 5.5 million jobs – affecting one fifth of employees – paid less than the real Living Wage.