PENSIONERS are missing meals, are more depressed and having to shelter in libraries due to the government’s cuts to the winter fuel allowance, a survey by Unite revealed today.

Protesters dropped a banner from Westminster Bridge in London today to call on the government to reverse the winter fuel allowance cuts and ensure that the most vulnerable pensioners are safe and warm over the winter.

They included Unite activists, retired members, pensioners and NHS staff who have seen the impact of cuts first-hand.

The action came as the research by Unite found that more than two-thirds of its retired members have had to turn their heating down this year, a third are taking fewer baths or showers and 16 per cent have cut back on hot meals due to the increased costs of trying to stay warm.

Unite is calling on the government to release the statistics for excess deaths due to cold.

General secretary Sharon Graham said: “[Pensioners] are shivering at home, having to go without bathing or without meals.

“Retirees should be able to live with dignity after a lifetime of work.

“Instead of picking the pocket of pensioners, the government should be looking at a wealth tax that targets the very richest in society.”

In addition to missing meals, 63 per cent said they have felt cold more often and 17 per cent believe the cut has resulted in them becoming ill or their symptoms worsening.

Mark Boothroyd, Unite shop steward and emergency department nurse at St Thomas’ hospital, said: “NHS services have been overwhelmed this winter — it feels almost as bad as it was during Covid.

“We are seeing lots of elderly patients with flu and other seasonal illnesses.

“The NHS has suffered from a decade and a half of austerity and it desperately needs more investment.

“It seems likely that things have now unfortunately been made worse by the loss of winter fuel payments.”

National Pensioners’ Convention general secretary Jan Shortt said the survey findings resonate with what members are experiencing, adding: “Without the winter fuel payment, the ability to stay warm, fed and healthy is a struggle.  

“Retirement was never meant to be this way — dignity and respect for those who have given a lifetime of work and contributed to the country is no longer a feature in government decisions.”