MP hails work-test overhaul

OLDHAM MP Michael Meacher has welcomed news that improvements must be made to the controversial Government “fit for work” testing regime.

But the Oldham West and Royton MP says the news come too late for many families affected by the stress caused by wrong decisions.

An audit of Atos Healthcare was called following widespread concerns over the French-run company’s asessments.

Mr Meacher said: “This is a huge victory for those who have campaigned to get the Government to acknowledge this.”

Hundreds of reports were analysed. Mr Meacher added: “While there is certainly plenty of evidence of callous, ill-thought-out, insensitive practices by staff working for Atos, the real reason that DWP has been forced into an embarrassing retreat is that they have finally been compelled to recognise that the guidelines, regulations and prescriptors they have handed to their Atos agents are deeply flawed.

“With a target of reassessing 1.5 million incapacity claimants — some with multiple and complex disabilities — at a rate of 11,000 a week, it was inevitable there would be thousands of errors, misunderstandings, misjudgments and consequential human tragedies.”

Mr Meacher, along with campaigners, will meet Works Minister Mark Hoban on Tuesday, September 10 when Parliament returns to continue to push for the assessment system to be overhauled.