Fit-to-work tests should be axed: Meacher

OLDHAM West and Royton MP Michael Meacher is to meet a Government minister to discuss the “flawed” unfit-for-work medical assessment system.

Anyone claiming sickness benefit is assessed by Atos, which works for the Government. Staff decide if applicants can return to work immediately, need help, or are unable to work, but the system has brought many accusations that people are wrongly diagnosed.

Last year Mr Meacher told the Commons about Colin Trayner, an epileptic since birth who at the age of 29 was declared fit for work. He died in a fit before his appeal could be heard.

Mr Meacher will be one of a delegation to talk with work minister Mark Hoban in September, when MPs return from the summer recess. The talks follow six months of attempts by Mr Meacher to see the minister.

“It shouldn’t have to be like this, but this is certainly now an opportunity we should grasp,’ said the MP.

“Nothing was happening so I waylaid Mark Hoban in the lobby in Parliament and asked him why he still hadn’t responded to my earlier requests.

“This is a serious issue affecting many of my constituents and thousands across the country, and must not be ignored.”

Mr Meacher has repeatedly called for the Atos assessments to be scrapped and overhauled, as they are not being carried out by qualified medics.

He believes the firm is “ruthlessly” pressurising the sick and disabled into work.

The Chronicle reported last week how Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon wants the Government to devolve powers to the council instead.

Councillor McMahon said: “I firmly believe the Department for Work and Pensions is not fit for purpose in this respect.”