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Dad 'Forced To Rummage Through Bins' For Food Because Of Universal Credit Error

Dad 'Forced To Rummage Through Bins' For Food Because Of Universal Credit Error

The dad-of-one said he was 'ashamed' of his actions but he was so desperate he had no other choice

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

A man who spiraled into the depths of depression and lost his job has said he was forced to eat out of a bin after being sanctioned by the government for missing a Job Centre meeting.

Ryan Webb, 32, from Liverpool, said he was informed about the meeting a month late and was left with just £26 to last him an entire month.

According to the Liverpool Echo, he had no other option but to look through rubbish bins to find any food he could.

He even had to borrow £50 of his gran,who is also struggling to make ends meet.

The ex-crane driver said he then applied for a hardship fund from the Department of Work and Pensions, and though the Job Centre admitted it was their mistake, they refused to give help him and said he would have to go to court to challenge the ruling.

Ryan said: "I got a text message on October 2 telling me about an appointment in September.

Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo

"My money stopped on October 6 and I have had £26 to survive on since then. My adviser actually turned round to me and admitted they had made a mistake.

"But when I applied for a hardship payment to get me through until the next payment it was rejected - and they advised me to go to a foodbank."

Ryan told the local paper that he was 'ashamed' of his actions and what he had to do in order to just survive.

The father-of-one said: "I'm ashamed to say I have been forced to steal some food from supermarkets and have been rooting around in their bins for food as well.

I actually had to borrow some money from my nan, but she is struggling too and needs it back - I don't know what to tell her."

Ryan said because of how desperate his situation has become he hasn't been able to see his son - who lives separately with his mum - over the half-term break, because he can't afford it.

He said: "It heartbreaking to hear that your child has been asking why he can't see you.

"I have worked all my life and now I am having to search in bins or rob sandwiches, its terrible."

"How on god's green earth am I supposed to live on £26.2p for a whole month."

Featured Image Credit: Liverpool Echo

Topics: News