Marvin OnumonuGovernment plans to cut personal independence payment could push tens of thousands of disabled workers out of jobs, according to UNISON.
A survey found 75% of those receiving the benefit said losing it would affect their ability to work.
Three in five said they spent the payment on getting to work, while the same number used it for physiotherapy and counselling.
Two thirds said it helped pay for food that could be easily prepared.
Others used it for medication, carers or cleaners.
The reforms form part of the Government’s welfare bill published today, 18th June.
Ministers said changes were needed to get more people off benefits and into work.
However, UNISON said the plan would have the opposite effect.
Christina McAnea, general secretary at UNISON, said: “Going after the most vulnerable in society is in no one’s interests.
“Disabled people are not shirkers or scroungers. All too often they want to work and they rely on the social security system to give them the support to do so.
“Stopping people from working won’t grow the economy.”
McAnea added: “If ministers really want to encourage more people back in to jobs, they need to make sure work pays.
“That means breaking down the barriers preventing disabled people from accessing work. And going after the employers paying poverty wages.”
