Single mum left to 'fight for survival' with DWP following cancer diagnosis

Daily Record reports

Adam Saville
clock • 2 min read

45-year-old teacher battles for Universal Credit support after leaving job to get treatment

Gillian Sykes, a mum-of-two diagnosed with breast cancer in January, was left with 84p after leaving her job as a supply teacher and attempting to access Universal Credit, the Daily Record has reported. Ms Sykes, who is preparing for a double mastectomy operation in the summer, described her situation as a ‘fight for survival' with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), a plight which has involved money being taken away by the authorities due to mistaken dates and an ‘automated response' telling her that she needs to be looking for work in order to claim. She was not initially tol...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

Protection ranks lowest in importance for homebuyers

Protection ranks lowest in importance for homebuyers

Vitality research findings

Jaskeet Briah
clock 23 January 2026 • 2 min read
Updated: MetLife UK pays out £34m in 2025

Updated: MetLife UK pays out £34m in 2025

31,000 claims paid

Cameron Roberts
clock 20 January 2026 • 2 min read
The COVER Review: Claims, BIBA updates and 2026 predictions

The COVER Review: Claims, BIBA updates and 2026 predictions

Week commencing 12 January 2026

COVER
clock 16 January 2026 • 1 min read