Single mother's benefits 'cut for missing job centre appointment for son's brain surgery'

The woman was described as a 'vulnerable lone parent' of three

Kenny Bailey says he is now worried he may lose his home following the decision

A single mother of three had her benefits suspended after she missed a job centre appointment as her son was undergoing brain surgery, a Scottish food bank has claimed.

Basic Foods Bank in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, posted the woman's story on Facebook, showing an apparent referral with a request for the centre's help.

The post, which cannot be independently verified, explained that it was contacted by an agency aiming to return the unnamed mother's access to benefits.

The food bank claimed the woman's youngest son was having surgery on a brain tumour and so she could not attend an appointment at the job centre.

In a follow-up post, the food bank said the woman's benefits had since been restored.

The food bank's manager, David Shaw wrote on Facebook: "Further to our post about the single Mum with three kids who had been sanctioned for failure to attend the job centre, whilst she was in hospital with her son who was having surgery to remove a brain tumour.

"Her benefit sanction has been lifted and she has access to her benefit."

Mr Shaw added:"I have made the agency aware of the offers of support that have poured in through this Facebook page, which has been unbelievable.

"If the Mum would like to take-up any offer of support the agency will let us know and we in turn will let you know.

"We will protect her confidentiality like we do for everybody who engages with ourselves."

The Independent has contacted Basics Food Bank and the Department of Work and Pensions for comment.