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

Mental Health Awareness Week is not just for clients

Mental Health Awareness Week is not just for clients

Mental health resources and opinion

Cameron Roberts
clock 15 May 2026 • 4 min read
Third of LV= customers accessing mental health support aged 26-35

Third of LV= customers accessing mental health support aged 26-35

Anxiety primary reason for access

Jaskeet Briah
clock 14 May 2026 • 1 min read
£1m paid out to Waddle Insurance customers

£1m paid out to Waddle Insurance customers

Average claim took 90 days to complete

Jaskeet Briah
clock 07 May 2026 • 2 min read