Unite protests in Westminster as union survey shows elderly suffering from government policy

Pensioners are missing meals, having to shelter in libraries and are more depressed due to the government’s cuts to the winter fuel allowance, a new survey has found. 

Research conducted by Unite the union has shown that over two-thirds of its retired members have had to turn their heating down this year, a third are taking fewer baths or showers and 16 per cent have cut back on hot meals due to the increased costs of trying to stay warm. 

The survey results coincide with protests organised by Unite in Westminster on Wednesday. A banner drop from Westminster Bridge will call on the government to reverse the Winter Fuel Allowance cuts and ensure our most vulnerable pensioners are safe and warm this winter (see notes for editors). 

Unite is calling on the government to release the statistics for excessive deaths due to cold. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our survey shows that pensioners are suffering real-life effects of this needless cut to winter fuel allowance. They are shivering at home, having to go without bathing or without meals. Retirees should be able to live with dignity after a lifetime of work.

“Instead of picking the pocket of pensioners, the government should be looking at a wealth tax that targets the very richest in society.” 

In addition to missing meals over two thirds (67 per cent) have turned down or reduced their heating, with 63 per cent saying they have felt cold more often and 17 per cent reporting the cut has resulted in them becoming ill or their symptoms have become worse. Unite activists will be joined in Westminster by retired members and pensioners as well as NHS staff from nearby hospitals who are seeing the impact of cuts first-hand. 

Mark Boothroyd, Unite shop steward and emergency department nurse at St Thomas' Hospital, said:  "NHS services have been overwhelmed this winter - it feels almost as bad as it was during Covid. We are seeing lots of elderly patients with flu and other seasonal illnesses. The NHS has suffered from a decade and a half of austerity and it desperately needs more investment.

“It seems likely that things have now unfortunately been made worse by the loss of winter fuel payments."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Have you had to make any changes this winter as a result of losing your winter fuel payment? (Select all that apply)

 

Total respondents: 6024

 

Statement

Total

%

I have turned down the heating or reduced the hours I use it at home

4060

67%

I have reduced the length or number or baths or showers that I take

2168

36%

I have reduced the number of hot meals I eat

971

16%

I have gone somewhere else to keep warm, such as visiting public libraries or relatives

966

16%

I have had to cut back on other costs

2691

45%

I have not made any changes so far

1459

24%

How have you been affected by the loss of your winter fuel payment? (Select all that apply)

 

Total respondents: 5959

 

Statement

Total

%

I have felt the cold more often

3756

63%

I have felt hungry more often

631

11%

I have become ill or my symptoms have worsened

986

17%

My mental health has worsened (e.g. feeling more depressed, stressed or anxious)

1485

25%

I have more financial worries

2234

37%

I have not been affected so far

1651

28%