‘Seriously ill’ mental health inpatients told to attend jobcentre or risk losing benefits

It's beyond ridiculous' say campaigners in England - rules state that nobody in hospital should be required to attend in person

Mental health inpatients have been told to attend jobcentre meetings relating to their benefits claims, including one claimant who was told to turn up for a work-related appointment, the Observer can reveal.

Three patients at Forston clinic, an NHS mental health inpatient service near Dorchester, were told to attend meetings in recent months - sparking complaints from the local Citizens Advice branch, which has an adviser based at the clinic.