What a cold week and iced over this morning. Our buses were off due to strikes and I had no way to get my 14 year old daughter to school. I could have paid for a private taxi but I had little money left over from all the other extra expenses. Food, gas and electric so I had to keep her off very reluctantly I might add. It’s terrible that I had to make that decision based on finances.

If you're not looking for work then we'll put in work placements. A) how does that incentivise employers to employ folk if they can get cheap free labour through forced work placements? And B) modern workhouse much, we've decided it's your fault you're not working, never mind asking why isn't anyone hiring this person and how can we resolve that, no no just punish the unemployed by forcing them to work for nothing, UC is already less than they'd get in work. If you're able to get work placements for folk, why aren't you able to get work for folk. Don't give out people to businesses as cheap labour, force businesses to hire more people. There is no logic.

No one would hire me anyway, this whole autumn statement of disabled people must look for work bs completely misses the point that most employers won't hire people with disabilities, not just got of discrimination but cos some disabilities are health and safety hazards in the work place. My disability is both mental and physical, but it's my mental health that's a barrier to work, due to childhood trauma there is no cure just learning to live with it and it impacts every aspect of my day. If I were working in a shop, for example, maybe most days I'd be fine, maybe. But the odd day I could have a panic attack, or the symptoms of my mental health could get suddenly overwhelming and make me a risk to myself and others. Who would hire someone based on that risk, no one. I know cos I was unemployed for years before finally getting the disability benefits and no one would hire me then either. The workplace hasn't gotten more welcoming to people with disabilities, only harder and harsher, it's already so much harder to find work as it is and with so many unemployed the employers have many options, why would they risk their productivity on someone like me. They never had and never will.

From what I currently understand about the autumn statement today, there is probably more bad news than good for those in this country on the lowest incomes and those who have disabilities or are unable to work due to sickness. Yes they did announce that benefits will rise next year, but this is far from enough to relieve some of the pressure on families that are still struggling with the cost of living, unable to buy healthy food and heat their homes. Then there is also the fact that once again those living on legacy benefits will not see any increase at all, adding even more pressure to make cut backs that will affect our mental / physical health.

On top of this millions of people not able to work due to illness or disability will have the worry of being forced into work placements that may not be suitable or face losing some or all of the benefits that they do receive, which will also have a detrimental effect on the lives of those affected. How can this be fair? How can this be sustainable? It can't get voting in the next election for a change in government and hopefully a change for those struggling to live.

Frustrated with the “compassionate conservative government” 🤬🤬🤬

So disgusted watching the autumn statement today they’re all sat laughing and joking having the time of their life and they’ve decided to cut national insurance by 2% now it’s my understanding that we pay national insurance and that is for the NHS and such things so they’ve not cut the tax that goes to them, but cuts the tax that benefits things we need by a very small percentage an average person on £35,400 a year will see a benefit of £400 a year that’s great so us low income people seen nothing at all whatsoever. They are just an absolute joke.

The country feels so hostile to people like us, like it's legitimately scary how aggressively gov is coming down on some of the most deprived and vulnerable members of society. More cuts and more sanctions and who cares about humans rights, they're only for people who can afford them. Cut services that prevent poverty, cut services that support the vunerable and cut wellfare at every opportunity.

Welcome to modern Britain, build back better by slowly killing off the poor while telling everyone it's their own fault. Rule Britannia.

The weather is getting colder, its really making kids sick, my kid had cold three times in a row, as I write, we are at the A&E, its very annoying coupled with everything else.

For me the most difficult thing about winter is having enough money for a healthy diet and being able to afford heating. I struggle to function well if I'm hungry and cold inside my home . This impacts upon my health, work and relationships.

Here thinking of the way forward. The winter is here, energy bills are rolling in. My hands are full with two very young kids. But still trying to get a job.

The next Cost of Living payment - £300 is due & has been since 31st October 2023. Previously I've received it on the day of release. It's currently the 2nd of November - it's still not arrived but it might not arrive until 19th November. I've had to borrow to cover my bills & have £5 left till Friday when child tax credit drops into my account. The angst that waiting for money that is promised is interminable. It's a horrible queasy, restless feeling - constantly checking my bank account for any change. It feels all consuming. The fact that I need the help is degrading enough - I would work if I could. Having to rely on the Government for my financial security feels as bad to me as being financially abused by my domestically violent ex-partner - it brings it all back. <Shudders>

A whole year of Rishi being the Prime Minister of the UK.

The cruelty of his leadership has impacted so many, but he is still there.

I feel the stress tightening around me like a snake squeezing its prey.

I fear what the future holds.