Kenny Bailey, Man With Half His Skull Missing, Declared 'Fit For Work' By DWP

Kenny Bailey suffered a stroke two years ago.

Kenny Bailey, who has trouble walking and needs assistance to get dressed, underwent an individual assessment requested by the Department of Work and Pensions.

They deemed he should be working despite him being paralysed down his left side and suffering from memory problems.

Kenny Bailey
Kenny Bailey
Daily Star

Bailey, 50, is awaiting another operation to insert a metal plate into his head to reshape it.

He is separated from his wife but still has regular contact with his two daughters aged seven and two but can't play with them due to his condition.

He told the Daily Star: "I’m so angry.

"There are people out there who are getting allowances and they are fit for work. But people like me who need it can’t get it.

"The money is used to pay my bills and to buy my food. Now I’m worried I won’t be able to survive and will lose my home."

Bailey will lose his employment and support allowance (ESA) which amounts to £156 per fortnight.

Bailey suffered the stroke two years ago while out shopping. A mistake by the 999 operator who took the emergency call meant the ambulance took over an hour to arrive.

He added: "I would feel uncomfortable going back to work because I can’t use my left side.

"But because I can use my right side they’re saying I’m fit for work. This decision isn’t fair. I can’t use my arm, I’ve got a bad limp and I can’t concentrate.

"They’re picking on the disabled."

Bailey's MP, Michael Dugher of Labour, has written to Stephen Crabb, the secretary of state department of work and pensions to complain.

My letter to Stephen Crabb calling for reversal of outrageous ruling that my constituent Kenny Bailey "fit for work" https://t.co/ahZ68NKsqF

— Michael Dugher MP (@MichaelDugher) May 13, 2016

Kenny Bailey's story on @itvcalendar tonight #Barnsley https://t.co/SfqPb2HMCG

— Katie Oscroft (@katieoscroftitv) May 14, 2016

A DWP spokesman said: "Work Capability Assessments help ensure that people get the level of support that they need, rather than just writing them off on sickness benefits as happened in the past.

"A claimant who disagrees can appeal."

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