Fit to work verdict... 48 hours after brain surgery

Last night bosses at the Department for Work and Pensions admitted a mistake had been made and apologised and said Bryan Haigh's payments would now continue following a review.

Mr Haigh, 50, underwent the major operation to remove a tumour from his brain on July 20.

He had 32 staples in his head and was warned by doctors he could be prone to seizures so should not drive for at least six months.

But bosses at the Department for Work and Pensions decreed in a letter dated July 22 that the father-of-four was officially fit to work after seeing him a few days before his operation where he had told them about his forthcoming surgery.

His 65-a-week benefit was withdrawn with immediate effect – until the decision was reversed yesterday.

Last night his wife Samantha, a teaching assistant, said it was great news, but said her husband was appalled he had had to go to public before he got the money reinstated.

Mr Haigh, of Cottingley, Leeds, said: "When the letter came I just couldn't believe it. I do want to work but at the moment I just can't.

"I have worked practically non-stop since I left school and now I need a little bit of help, I feel like I have been kicked in the teeth.

"I'm just baffled because of course there are people out there claiming benefits who shouldn't be. But I really do think they are picking on the wrong person this time."

Mr Haigh had been receiving jobseekers' allowance since April last year when he was made redundant from his job as a scaffolding yard foreman.

He was moved on to the 65-a-week employment and support allowance in September after suffering a series of problems with his eyes, including severe inflammation of the optic nerve which caused him to lose his sight.

While doctors were investigating the problems last December, they discovered an unrelated brain tumour. As it was benign they decided to leave it in place, until this summer when Mr Haigh began suffering headaches and memory loss.

His operation was scheduled for July 20 at Leeds General Infirmary.

Days beforehand he was called to a benefits review panel when, he says, he explained his forthcoming treatment. So he was stunned to receive a letter after he returned from hospital, telling him his benefits were being axed.

Mr Haigh said the family was reliant on his wife's income and they could not afford to lose the benefits.

They had to buy new school uniforms for their children before the new term begins next month, while the children's bus fares and meals alone cost about 50 a week.

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said last night: "Having reviewed the case, we have arranged for Mr Haigh's employment and support allowance to continue.

"We have contacted him to apologise and inform him of his future payments.

"If anyone is unhappy with a benefit decision they should get in touch with Jobcentre Plus, and we will look at it again."