Kate Harrison
@kslharrison.bsky.social
Senior Policy Researcher at Citizens Advice, researching welfare conditionality (she/her)
Formerly Demos, Southampton Uni, KCL
Formerly Demos, Southampton Uni, KCL
Reposted by Kate Harrison
The government wants to enhance contributory unemployment benefits - we’re good with that
Contribution-based benefits can help the legitimacy of the welfare state. There is a catch though…
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Contribution-based benefits can help the legitimacy of the welfare state. There is a catch though…
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
January 22, 2026 at 10:28 AM
The government wants to enhance contributory unemployment benefits - we’re good with that
Contribution-based benefits can help the legitimacy of the welfare state. There is a catch though…
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Contribution-based benefits can help the legitimacy of the welfare state. There is a catch though…
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
The government is keen for more disabled people to move into work, but what happens to those who do work? Becca and Victoria's brilliant report looks at the challenges many disabled people face when moving into and staying in work 👇
The Equality Act should protect disabled people at work
But @citizensadvice.bsky.social supported 5,393 people with health-related job discrimination in 2025 - roughly one every 1.5 hours
Mine and @victoria-anns.bsky.social's new report digs into the barriers our disabled clients face at work /1
But @citizensadvice.bsky.social supported 5,393 people with health-related job discrimination in 2025 - roughly one every 1.5 hours
Mine and @victoria-anns.bsky.social's new report digs into the barriers our disabled clients face at work /1
January 21, 2026 at 12:27 PM
The government is keen for more disabled people to move into work, but what happens to those who do work? Becca and Victoria's brilliant report looks at the challenges many disabled people face when moving into and staying in work 👇
Reposted by Kate Harrison
📢Young disabled people could face benefit cuts of more than £420 a month if government plans go ahead.
Young people deserve real support - not cuts that could push them into poverty.
New blog from me & @victoria-anns.bsky.social: medium.com/p/62015a6f0b12
Young people deserve real support - not cuts that could push them into poverty.
New blog from me & @victoria-anns.bsky.social: medium.com/p/62015a6f0b12
The government must cancel plans to cut disability benefits for young people
This blog has been co-written by Maddy Rose, Senior Policy Researcher, and Victoria Anns, Policy Researcher.
medium.com
November 3, 2025 at 12:02 PM
📢Young disabled people could face benefit cuts of more than £420 a month if government plans go ahead.
Young people deserve real support - not cuts that could push them into poverty.
New blog from me & @victoria-anns.bsky.social: medium.com/p/62015a6f0b12
Young people deserve real support - not cuts that could push them into poverty.
New blog from me & @victoria-anns.bsky.social: medium.com/p/62015a6f0b12
Reposted by Kate Harrison
The absolute bloody vandalism of austerity in one chart. Good analysis of the overall picture here.
October 15, 2025 at 6:48 PM
The absolute bloody vandalism of austerity in one chart. Good analysis of the overall picture here.
Reposted by Kate Harrison
Excellent thread on what should guide any Jobcentre engagement with disabled claimants (many of these principles should be standard across the whole UC system - not just for those currently exempt from conditionality).
DWP plans to introduce a ‘support conversation’ for disabled claimants who don’t currently meet a work coach. My new paper explores how this conversation can be done effectively and avoid causing harm 🧵
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
A fresh start: transforming engagement with disabled benefits claimants through a case worker model
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
October 15, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Excellent thread on what should guide any Jobcentre engagement with disabled claimants (many of these principles should be standard across the whole UC system - not just for those currently exempt from conditionality).
DWP plans to introduce a ‘support conversation’ for disabled claimants who don’t currently meet a work coach. My new paper explores how this conversation can be done effectively and avoid causing harm 🧵
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
A fresh start: transforming engagement with disabled benefits claimants through a case worker model
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
October 15, 2025 at 10:30 AM
DWP plans to introduce a ‘support conversation’ for disabled claimants who don’t currently meet a work coach. My new paper explores how this conversation can be done effectively and avoid causing harm 🧵
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Reposted by Kate Harrison
📢 Benefit cuts don’t have widespread support
September 29, 2025 at 8:54 AM
📢 Benefit cuts don’t have widespread support
Reposted by Kate Harrison
Many thanks to @cjayanetti.bsky.social for their write-up of this piece in the @bigissue.com tinyurl.com/2rvs3n4t
DWP plans will see more than 50,000 disabled people lose job support
DWP plans mean large numbers of disabled people will no longer qualify for a work allowance to support people looking for employment.
tinyurl.com
September 26, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Many thanks to @cjayanetti.bsky.social for their write-up of this piece in the @bigissue.com tinyurl.com/2rvs3n4t
Reposted by Kate Harrison
Are out-of-work benefit claims at a record high? My new post open.substack.com/pub/inequali... , and also my take on More or Less this morning at www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Are out-of-work benefit claims at a record high?
The official statistics are wildly misleading - I've now made some new estimates that show just how wrong they are
open.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Are out-of-work benefit claims at a record high? My new post open.substack.com/pub/inequali... , and also my take on More or Less this morning at www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The cuts to UC health will create an unacceptable two-tier system, disadvantaging future claimants. Read more about this in Victoria's new report 👇
Cuts to disability benefits weren’t totally averted!
🚨New report out today explaining why the Universal Credit Bill will harm disabled people and exploring who will be impacted by the cuts.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
🚨New report out today explaining why the Universal Credit Bill will harm disabled people and exploring who will be impacted by the cuts.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Not so Universal: the two-tiered health element. How the Universal Credit Bill will create a two-tiered system for disabled people.
Briefing by Victoria Anns on how the Universal Credit Bill will create a two-tiered system for disabled people.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
September 2, 2025 at 3:35 PM
The cuts to UC health will create an unacceptable two-tier system, disadvantaging future claimants. Read more about this in Victoria's new report 👇
Come and join the best team going to do impactful work on welfare policy. This is a great opportunity to learn and develop research and influencing skills in a friendly and supportive organisation.
My team at @citizensadvice.bsky.social is recruiting for a Policy Research Assistant. Come and join us!
www.jobtrain.co.uk/citizensadvi...
www.jobtrain.co.uk/citizensadvi...
Policy Research Assistant:Blended between office and home (England and Wales)
www.jobtrain.co.uk
August 8, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Come and join the best team going to do impactful work on welfare policy. This is a great opportunity to learn and develop research and influencing skills in a friendly and supportive organisation.
Brilliant new briefing from Sarah and Julia offering some possible solutions to the fact that UC's monthly assessment periods just don't work for many claimants 👇
New @citizensadvice.bsky.social briefing published with @julia-rt.bsky.social on how Universal Credit can adapt to promote income stability for working households. We set out policy options for the UC review to consider to reflect the reality of low paid employment.
August 8, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Brilliant new briefing from Sarah and Julia offering some possible solutions to the fact that UC's monthly assessment periods just don't work for many claimants 👇
Great report from Jagna showing that UC incentives to work are often misguided and overly complex. Instead what we need is more investment in supporting people to find and stay in suitable work 👇
The narrative around Universal Credit has long centred around work incentives.
This new briefing examines how effective UC is at encouraging employment – and how that focus may have overshadowed the deeper complexities of getting into work. 🧵
🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
This new briefing examines how effective UC is at encouraging employment – and how that focus may have overshadowed the deeper complexities of getting into work. 🧵
🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Work incentives aren't working: is the Universal Credit review asking the right questions?
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
July 30, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Great report from Jagna showing that UC incentives to work are often misguided and overly complex. Instead what we need is more investment in supporting people to find and stay in suitable work 👇
Brilliant in-depth report from Ed and Emily looking at health inequalities and work. Well worth a read!
1) New report alert 📚! Written [email protected] and myself, it looks at the relationship between health and work. It is the first report from our wider project on health inequalities, funded by @healthfoundation.bsky.social. 🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
July 10, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Brilliant in-depth report from Ed and Emily looking at health inequalities and work. Well worth a read!
The changes to the disability cuts bill don't go back enough - cutting UC Health would cause untold damage. Victoria's blog explains why we're calling on MPs to vote against it once again 👇
We're still asking MPs to vote against the disability cuts bill tomorrow.
New blog explaining why is out now:
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/3-reasons-wh...
New blog explaining why is out now:
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/3-reasons-wh...
July 9, 2025 at 10:37 AM
The changes to the disability cuts bill don't go back enough - cutting UC Health would cause untold damage. Victoria's blog explains why we're calling on MPs to vote against it once again 👇
Reposted by Kate Harrison
Anti poverty organisations all unanimously urging MPs to vote against the UCPIP Bill this afternoon, and calling on the government to carry out proper reviews and consultation before legislating.
This is too important to vote through on an act of faith.
www.ucpipbill.co.uk/wp-content/u...
This is too important to vote through on an act of faith.
www.ucpipbill.co.uk/wp-content/u...
July 1, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Anti poverty organisations all unanimously urging MPs to vote against the UCPIP Bill this afternoon, and calling on the government to carry out proper reviews and consultation before legislating.
This is too important to vote through on an act of faith.
www.ucpipbill.co.uk/wp-content/u...
This is too important to vote through on an act of faith.
www.ucpipbill.co.uk/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Kate Harrison
A long thread on why the concessions in and around the UCPIP Bill (ie the disability benefits cuts) are illusory, disingenuous and potentially makes things worse 🧵
There are 5 big myths to bust -fifth is the most difficult to untangle, but the most significant in my view, so please do bear with 🙂
There are 5 big myths to bust -fifth is the most difficult to untangle, but the most significant in my view, so please do bear with 🙂
June 30, 2025 at 10:48 AM
A long thread on why the concessions in and around the UCPIP Bill (ie the disability benefits cuts) are illusory, disingenuous and potentially makes things worse 🧵
There are 5 big myths to bust -fifth is the most difficult to untangle, but the most significant in my view, so please do bear with 🙂
There are 5 big myths to bust -fifth is the most difficult to untangle, but the most significant in my view, so please do bear with 🙂
Reposted by Kate Harrison
After all the rumours we now know what's in the amendment. From November next year, new claimants who need help to cut up food, dress, wash, or use the toilet would be denied the lifeline that PIP provides. For young disabled people and people who become disabled in the future, it is utterly bleak
June 27, 2025 at 12:47 PM
After all the rumours we now know what's in the amendment. From November next year, new claimants who need help to cut up food, dress, wash, or use the toilet would be denied the lifeline that PIP provides. For young disabled people and people who become disabled in the future, it is utterly bleak
Reposted by Kate Harrison
I think everyone would agree that eligibility to disability benefits should be decided based on need.
The government's concessions further erode this principle.
The 4 point rule is arbitrary. Restricting UC health based on age is unfair. And creating a 2-tiered dis ben system is unjustifiable.
The government's concessions further erode this principle.
The 4 point rule is arbitrary. Restricting UC health based on age is unfair. And creating a 2-tiered dis ben system is unjustifiable.
Changes to UCPIP bill are result of campaigners & disabled people speaking out about the profound harm the govt was about to inflict.
However, the bill remains illogical & inherently unfair.
The govt should pause & come back with meaningful reform if serious about “fixing the foundations”.
However, the bill remains illogical & inherently unfair.
The govt should pause & come back with meaningful reform if serious about “fixing the foundations”.
June 27, 2025 at 10:16 AM
I think everyone would agree that eligibility to disability benefits should be decided based on need.
The government's concessions further erode this principle.
The 4 point rule is arbitrary. Restricting UC health based on age is unfair. And creating a 2-tiered dis ben system is unjustifiable.
The government's concessions further erode this principle.
The 4 point rule is arbitrary. Restricting UC health based on age is unfair. And creating a 2-tiered dis ben system is unjustifiable.
Reposted by Kate Harrison
Changes to UCPIP bill are result of campaigners & disabled people speaking out about the profound harm the govt was about to inflict.
However, the bill remains illogical & inherently unfair.
The govt should pause & come back with meaningful reform if serious about “fixing the foundations”.
However, the bill remains illogical & inherently unfair.
The govt should pause & come back with meaningful reform if serious about “fixing the foundations”.
June 27, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Changes to UCPIP bill are result of campaigners & disabled people speaking out about the profound harm the govt was about to inflict.
However, the bill remains illogical & inherently unfair.
The govt should pause & come back with meaningful reform if serious about “fixing the foundations”.
However, the bill remains illogical & inherently unfair.
The govt should pause & come back with meaningful reform if serious about “fixing the foundations”.
The government's concessions on disability benefits cuts are a good start but do nothing to help those who will need disability benefits in the future. Anyone can become disabled at any time and future claimants are no less deserving of support than existing claimants
June 27, 2025 at 8:44 AM
The government's concessions on disability benefits cuts are a good start but do nothing to help those who will need disability benefits in the future. Anyone can become disabled at any time and future claimants are no less deserving of support than existing claimants
Reposted by Kate Harrison
But, if the disability cuts go ahead, we expect Anita to lose her PIP daily living entitlement. And as a knock on impact, also lose her UC health.
Even with an uplift to UC standard allowance, she’ll lose £678 each month and be plunged into poverty.
Even with an uplift to UC standard allowance, she’ll lose £678 each month and be plunged into poverty.
June 26, 2025 at 9:25 AM
But, if the disability cuts go ahead, we expect Anita to lose her PIP daily living entitlement. And as a knock on impact, also lose her UC health.
Even with an uplift to UC standard allowance, she’ll lose £678 each month and be plunged into poverty.
Even with an uplift to UC standard allowance, she’ll lose £678 each month and be plunged into poverty.
Great blog from Victoria showing the stark reality of how the disability cuts would affect people
How will the proposed disability benefit cuts impact disabled people? Today we’re sharing the story of one of the people we’ve helped: Anita*.
The cuts could mean she loses over £8k per year (43% of her income)❗
New blog out now: medium.com/p/1ab8959922a1
The cuts could mean she loses over £8k per year (43% of her income)❗
New blog out now: medium.com/p/1ab8959922a1
Anita’s story
How cuts to disability benefits could impact millions
medium.com
June 26, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Great blog from Victoria showing the stark reality of how the disability cuts would affect people
In parliament today to brief MPs on the need for them to vote against the disability benefits cuts bill. Interesting to hear from parliamentary staffers that it's constituents contacting them that is having the most impact. Please email your MP now, even if you have already! It's not too late
June 25, 2025 at 2:01 PM
In parliament today to brief MPs on the need for them to vote against the disability benefits cuts bill. Interesting to hear from parliamentary staffers that it's constituents contacting them that is having the most impact. Please email your MP now, even if you have already! It's not too late
Reposted by Kate Harrison
UC & PIP bill proposes the biggest cuts to disability benefits since OBR was created. It would:
✂️cut benefits for 3.2m disabled ppl
📈Push 300,000-400,000 into poverty, including 50,000 children
📈 Drive 440,000 into severe hardship
New joint briefing: www.ucpipbill.co.uk
✂️cut benefits for 3.2m disabled ppl
📈Push 300,000-400,000 into poverty, including 50,000 children
📈 Drive 440,000 into severe hardship
New joint briefing: www.ucpipbill.co.uk
Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill -
On Tuesday 1st July, MPs will be asked to vote on the UC & PIP Bill, which contains the biggest cuts to social security in a decade. This briefing from ten organisations including Scope, Citizens Advi...
www.ucpipbill.co.uk
June 24, 2025 at 11:10 AM
UC & PIP bill proposes the biggest cuts to disability benefits since OBR was created. It would:
✂️cut benefits for 3.2m disabled ppl
📈Push 300,000-400,000 into poverty, including 50,000 children
📈 Drive 440,000 into severe hardship
New joint briefing: www.ucpipbill.co.uk
✂️cut benefits for 3.2m disabled ppl
📈Push 300,000-400,000 into poverty, including 50,000 children
📈 Drive 440,000 into severe hardship
New joint briefing: www.ucpipbill.co.uk