Disabled woman who lost benefits ‘killed herself’

A woman who suffered crippling back pain killed herself after her disability benefits were stopped, her sister has claimed.

Jacqueline Harris, 53, was told she was fit for work following an Atos health assessment. Ms Harris’s sister says the verdict that she was ineligible for disability benefits drove her to take her own life.

It is claimed that during a test she was only asked one question: “Did you come here by bus?”, to which she answered “yes”. The widow later received a letter telling her to find employment.

Ms Harris contested the ruling but was found dead at her home in Kingswood, Bristol, on 2 November 2. An inquest into the death has opened and been adjourned.