A Jobcentre official has been suspended after a dad-of-three was told
to “get a f****** job or hang yourself” during a Facebook rant.
Comments posted from Dawn-Marie Sanders’ account targeted Scott Bignell, 44, in a discussion set up by a mutual friend following the broadcast of Channel 4’s Benefits Street.
One post said: “You are a drain on society… start paying taxes or hang yourself. I have rope…”
Department for Work and Pensions officer Mrs Sanders, of Farnborough, Hants, claimed she was hacked or the messages were posted by her 14-year-old son.
Former handyman Scott, of Plymouth, Devon, has been told he is not eligible for benefits. He said: “There are people in genuine need.”
A DWP spokesman said: “We are investigating.”
Benefits Street has sparked much debate about the welfare system and Channel 4's portrayal of those on benefits.
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith this week suggested the hit show justified his department's savage cuts to welfare.
The documentary focuses on James Turner Street, Winson Green, Birmingham, where many people are on benefits.
This week's episode beat Celebrity Big Brother and The Great Sport Relief Bake Off in the ratings.
In her Real Britain column today, Ros Wynne Jones reflects on the Tory reaction to Benefits Street - which saw gloating Conservatives demonising benefits claimants in a Commons debate.
Comments posted from Dawn-Marie Sanders’ account targeted Scott Bignell, 44, in a discussion set up by a mutual friend following the broadcast of Channel 4’s Benefits Street.
One post said: “You are a drain on society… start paying taxes or hang yourself. I have rope…”
Department for Work and Pensions officer Mrs Sanders, of Farnborough, Hants, claimed she was hacked or the messages were posted by her 14-year-old son.
Former handyman Scott, of Plymouth, Devon, has been told he is not eligible for benefits. He said: “There are people in genuine need.”
A DWP spokesman said: “We are investigating.”
Benefits Street has sparked much debate about the welfare system and Channel 4's portrayal of those on benefits.
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith this week suggested the hit show justified his department's savage cuts to welfare.
The documentary focuses on James Turner Street, Winson Green, Birmingham, where many people are on benefits.
This week's episode beat Celebrity Big Brother and The Great Sport Relief Bake Off in the ratings.
In her Real Britain column today, Ros Wynne Jones reflects on the Tory reaction to Benefits Street - which saw gloating Conservatives demonising benefits claimants in a Commons debate.
