A Heybridge woman has been highlighted as a successful example of getting people on sickness benefit back to work.
Carer Maxine Meadows, who found a less physically demanding job after six years off with severe back pain, was cited as an example of the success of the initiative by the Department for Work and Pensions.
The 52-year-old told the Gazette: "Being out of work was really bad for my self-esteem. The people at the job centre were really supportive. They helped me to see that I still had something to contribute."
Job centre chiefs today praised Government proposals to get people living on sickness benefit back into jobs.
But critics have warned the "political" move will put genuinely ill claimants in fear of losing a vital lifeline.
Published Friday, February 4, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article