‘This is a particularly horrific and depressing example of the Department for Work & Pensions’ decision-making.

Solicitor, Hammersmith & Fulham Law Centre, London

Who? Sophie Earnshaw, solicitor, Hammersmith & Fulham Law Centre, London.

Why is she in the news? Represented the victim of an acid attack who overturned an attempt to strip her of a disability benefit after being told she was fit for work.

Thoughts on the case: ‘This is a particularly horrific and depressing example of the Department for Work & Pensions’ decision-making. As a victim of an acid attack, our client lives in constant pain and trauma which restrict her ability to live a “normal” life. However, she is just one of many who are at the receiving end of a system that is designed to move people into work, regardless of disability, poor health or difficult circumstances. In addition to the DWP’s poor decisions, there is a two-stage appeal system which is essentially a delaying tactic to deter claimants from challenging decisions. Had our client not appealed this decision, she would have been moved on to Universal Credit, had a reduction in income, and would have been vulnerable to benefit sanctions due to the work requirement. Undoubtedly, this would have had a detrimental impact on her life.’