'Muscle-men' behind the scenes at Social Security

Workers Press no. 318, 3 December 1970 · scan page 2

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WORKERS applying for supplementary benefit at Social Security offices have been intimidated by strong-arm men, a La bour MP claims in an article published today.

Oldham West MP Michael MP alleges A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Security would not comment on the 'muscle men' claim, until details of the Meacher makes his claim in alleged incidents were presented to the department.

E London claimants' union Meacher said he had put his name down for an adjournment debate on the 'fourweek rule of the Supplementary Commission - which related to single unskilled men Policemen had been known They were given four weeks' benefit, told they were expected to find a job in that time--and that further benefit might be refused after that period. 'One cannot just dismiss people as scroungers: It is far more complex. Thousands of people are being penalized in the most drastic manner because of the indiscriminate and prejudicial application of this rule,' said Meacher.