Ryan Aldred, Plymouth Socialist Party
Plymouth Socialist Party branch is set to hit its recruitment target in a matter of weeks. This is largely due to people seeing how effective our organisation can be at defending working class people from the savage effects of austerity.
One of our newest recruits, Mike, was inspired to join after socialists supported him when the DWP rejected his claim for Jobseeker’s Allowance.
He was a tree surgeon but after being diagnosed with MS and losing the sight in one eye, he could no longer continue his job as it required the use of a chainsaw in precarious conditions.
Mike was justifiably angry when he was told he was entitled to nothing because he lived with his partner, Jane.
He could not get income-based JSA as Jane had two jobs, just to keep a roof over their head. He was further told he could not get contributions-based JSA as he was previously self-employed and had not contributed enough.
But the Socialist Party helped them to keep on fighting and to see that it is not an individual’s problem but a problem of society.
Both Mike and Jane have now joined the Socialist Party and are keen to get more involved.
If we don’t fight we will lose, but as Plymouth Socialist Party shows, if we put up a fight we can win!
The Case for Socialism – Why You Should Join
£1 including postage
Available from Socialist Books, PO Box 24697, London, E11 1YD
020 8988 8789
