20 June 2011
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
Pay disabled workers less, suggests MP
Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley, has sparked angry criticism after suggesting that people with disabilities should offer to work for less than the minimum wage. Wheelchair user Dame Anne Begg, who chairs the Commons work and pensions committee, said Mr Davies’ comments were “outrageous and unacceptable.”
Daily Telegraph, online
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8583005/Philip-Davies-Let-disabled-workers-opt-out-of-the-minimum-wage.html
17/06/11
Protests at Atos HQ recruitment drive
Disability activists, claimant groups and anti-cuts campaigners protested outside the offices of Atos Origin as it recruited new examiners to carry out work capability assessments, writes Polly Toynbee. She says that claimants are found fit enough to work if they can get to the test centre, but those who are too ill are struck off for failing to attend.
Guardian, online
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jun/17/david-cameron-nhs-welfare
17/06/11
New support group in Glasgow
Sam McInnes, who launched her blog Sam and M.E. in April, is setting up a M.E. support group in Glasgow on the first Wednesday of every month, starting 6 July, at the Pivot Centre, Chryston Glenmanor Avenue, Moodiesburn at 7pm. For more information, see www.meetup.com/samandmemeetupgroup.
Stv.tv, online
http://local.stv.tv/cumbernauld/news/19700-support-on-your-doorstep/
19/06/11
Sayers dropped from Yorkshire team
Yorkshire County cricketer Joe Sayers was controversially dropped from the team after failing to measure up in the previous championship game against Sussex. Sayers returned to the game this season after time off with Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome.
Yorkshire Post (Sports Monday), p 5
20/06/11
It took me years to recover
Sarah Robertson, an equestrian and farrier, talks about her job and her family. Sarah developed M.E. 30 years ago, ending up in hospital, and it took her many years to recover.
East Anglian Daily Times (EA Life), p 11
18/06/11
Coping with M.E.
Stephen Allen from the Clinic of Natural Medicine will give a talk about coping with M.E. on Wednesday 22 June, 6pm at Total Fitness, Wollaton Road. For more information, call Stephen on 01522 526292.
Nottingham Post, p 7
20/06/11
NB. Some articles may only be available online through payment of a subscription. Unfortunately Action for M.E. is prevented by copyright law from reproducing such articles in full or in extract.
The information contained within each press summary is provided for your personal information only. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Action for M.E.
