ROSS PARRY SYNDICATION: A dad has received an apology after his benefits were stopped by officials who he claims told him he was fit to return to work just 48 hours after having brain surgery.

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

But he said bosses at the Department for Work and Pensions decreed in a letter dated July 22 that he was fit to work and withdrew his benefits.

On Tuesday a spokeswoman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: "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."

Speaking before the department reversed its decision, Mr Haigh, of Leeds, West Yorks., said: "When the letter came I just couldn't believe it. I do want to work but at the moment I just can't."