A MAN with no legs says he is facing a ‘nightmare’ after being declared fit for work.

Leonard Andrews, 64, of Tamarisk Way, Slough, lost both his legs due to a car accident some decades ago. Despite this, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) declared him to be fit to work, as he can still move his arms.

Mr Andrews said: “I got a letter saying my ESA application had been unsuccessful, and the reasoning was I could raise both my arms. That was it.

“They said I could appeal, but it’s not like one of my arms will suddenly stop working.”

Mr Andrews lost the use of his right leg after it was smashed in a car accident in 1982. After the accident, he was fitted with an artificial leg, and worked for seven years as a self-employed plumber. However, the lingering effects of the crash caused his left leg to develop deep-vein thrombosis, and finally gangrene, which lead to it being amputated as well. Since 1989, he has not worked.

However, in an recent benefits assessment, Mr Andrews was declared ineligible for ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) as he can move both his arms. 

Mr Andrews must now sign on at the Jobcentre every two weeks to look for work, which has proven difficult as he has no IT skills and has yet to find a position with on-the-job training. He still collects PIP and Jobseeker's Allowance. 

He said: “I went to the Job Club, but the man running it told me to go back to the centre and tell them I was not suitable for IT training. I told them I will do some voluntary work – I went to Wexham Park Hospital for an interview, but I don’t drive so it would be £12 there and back for a taxi.

“These benefits are a nightmare. Universal Credit, that’s my next adventure.”

A DWP spokesperson said: “We’re dedicated to helping all disabled jobseekers find work that fits their needs.”