A hand up, not a handout

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Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is a senior reporter at The Big Issue specialising in social justice. She reports on a wide range of issues including poverty and inequality, the benefits system, disability rights, housing, health, immigration, gender equality and much more. Isabella was a winner of the PPA Next Gen Awards in 2023, formerly known as the 30 under 30. She was shortlisted for journalist of the year in the Scope Disability Awards 2024. Get in touch with Isabella through isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com
‘Being alive is utterly exhausting’: How Covid forced people out of work and onto benefits
Five years since the pandemic

‘Being alive is utterly exhausting’: How Covid forced people out of work and onto benefits

Poorest Brits now worse off than poorest people in Slovenia, report finds – here’s why
Cost of living

Poorest Brits now worse off than poorest people in Slovenia, report finds – here’s why

Cuts to benefits would be a ‘grave mistake’, Keir Starmer warned by his own MPs
Benefits

Cuts to benefits would be a ‘grave mistake’, Keir Starmer warned by his own MPs

Why are so many people off work sick? Labour told not to forget the pandemic ahead of benefit cuts
Five years since the pandemic

Why are so many people off work sick? Labour told not to forget the pandemic ahead of benefit cuts

One in four teachers spending own money to feed hungry pupils as parents struggle with costs
Child poverty

One in four teachers spending own money to feed hungry pupils as parents struggle with costs

Disability benefit cuts could plunge 700,000 households into poverty, Labour warned
Disability benefits

Disability benefit cuts could plunge 700,000 households into poverty, Labour warned

Millions of universal credit and disability benefit claimants turn to food banks: ‘I’m terrified of cuts’
Food banks

Millions of universal credit and disability benefit claimants turn to food banks: ‘I’m terrified of cuts’

DWP reveals new plans to get sick and disabled people into work ahead of benefit cuts
Department for Work and Pensions

DWP reveals new plans to get sick and disabled people into work ahead of benefit cuts

Slashing billions from welfare will not help people into work or save money, Rachel Reeves warned
Department for Work and Pensions

Slashing billions from welfare will not help people into work or save money, Rachel Reeves warned

Learning disability services have faced ‘drastic reduction in funding’ despite saving NHS money
Learning disabilities

Learning disability services have faced ‘drastic reduction in funding’ despite saving NHS money

Pensioners ‘reduced to tears’ by ‘complex’ forms when applying for help from DWP
Department for Work and Pensions

Pensioners ‘reduced to tears’ by ‘complex’ forms when applying for help from DWP

I was made redundant while on maternity leave – it has scarred me for life
Employment

I was made redundant while on maternity leave – it has scarred me for life