A MAN who made a miraculous recovery after breaking his neck, shoulder and nine ribs in a motorbike crash has been told he cannot claim benefits...despite being unable to work.

Paul Ellis, 51, of Sparkbridge, Laindon, was flown by air ambulance to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, in a serious condition after he and another biker collided in Wethersfield Road, Sible Hedingham, on June 5.

The other rider, 22-year-old Craig Currie, from Gateshead, died at the scene.

Mr Ellis suffered serious injuries and doctors were amazed that he was able to walk so quickly after the crash. He still relies on a stick to get around and struggles with the pain of his injuries most days.

He has attempted to return to work as a taxi driver and controller - but said the injuries made it impossible for him to do so.

He has been signed off work by a doctor and received Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) until Tuesday, April 4. This was stopped after an assessment - leaving Mr Ellis struggling to pay his rent.

Mr Ellis said: “I was assessed by the Department of Work and Pensions as being fit to work.

“The assessment was carried out by another healthcare professional - how can they have more say in this than my own doctor?

“I then tried to get Jobseeker’s Allowance, but because I have been told by the doctor I can’t work, I can’t get that either. I’m stuck in the middle.

“I have been left unable to get to my physiotherapy appointments and I am £700 in rent arrears.”

He has been surviving by borrowing money from friends and family, but said the stress is not helping his health.

He added: “I want to get better and work, but I can’t.

“I have been told there is mandatory reconsideration, but that is not taking place until May - what am I supposed to do in the meantime?”

A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said: “The decision on whether someone is well enough to work is taken following a thorough independent assessment, including all available evidence provided from the claimant’s GP or medical specialist. Anyone who disagrees with the outcome of their assessment can appeal.”