Bertie’s despair over Universal Credit

Bertie Thompson, aged 63, said: “There’s a few times I’ve felt like doing something really, really stupid. For the sake of pleasing Universal Credit.

They don’t care. They don’t seem to care.”

Mr. Thompson worked as a labourer and driver for the Council for over 30 years. Before that he worked as a mechanic at McCandless and Piggot’s garage on the Strand Road and later at Dunlop’s.

But he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2006 and forced to retire three years ago.

He initially made himself available for work and signed on for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) but was transferred to Universal Credit in November. He says his health has deteriorated over the past three years and he believes he is no longer fit for the jobs being recommended to him. Last July he nearly went blind as a result of complications with his diabetes.

“I was three weeks short of going blind. I have to go every two months for a check-up to the hospital.”

Bertie is also partially deaf and struggles on his feet.

“I’ve two hearing aids and I came out with an ulcer on my foot. I might have another one starting and I’ve an appointment to see the doctor. I’ve a diabetic clinic to go to. They reckon diabetes is a chronic disease so I just have to be careful,” he says. He is currently awaiting the results of a medical assessment.

The Department for Communities told the ‘Journal’ it has been in contact with Mr. Thompson regarding his concerns.