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Why the WCA isn't working
Posted Monday 2 April 2012
Following his resignation from the Government's review panel for the Work Capability Assessment, our Chief Executive Paul Farmer blogs about the damage the process is doing to the lives of people with mental health problems.
At Mind, we follow a simple model of how we work - we listen to what people with mental health problems are telling us, and then we seek to influence change so that people’s lives can be improved.
For the last couple of years, the issue of welfare reform has consistently been an important issue for people with mental health problems. And one aspect in particular has dominated: the Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
It’s worth remembering that the WCA was initially conceived before the recession, when this country was estimated to be within a year of achieving full employment. Even in those early days, we urged caution as we had real concerns about how a new system would apply.
It’s in everybody’s interests to get this right. When around 40 per cent of people on Incapacity Benefit have a mental health problem, it makes sense to design the new system so it can properly assess the needs of people with mental health problems.
In July 2010, I joined a the Harrington Scrutiny Panel, which was set up to oversee the work of the WCA Independent Review team. My role was to give advice and criticism regarding the areas the reviewer was looking at and the changes they are recommending.
The DWP has committed to making some changes arising from the Independent Review, but these will take time, and some fundamental changes required haven’t even started to be addressed.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people are being reassessed using a test which is still not fit for purpose. Around 50 per cent of people are appealing against the decision, and a remarkable half of those appeals are being upheld, meaning that as many as one in four tests are wrong. The cost to the taxpayer of the tribunal system alone is £50m, around a half of the £100m a year being spent on reassessment.
I spent some time last week at Mind’s Infoline. Call after call was coming in from individuals with a mental health problem, or a member of their family, anxious about the reassessment letter, concerned about having to appeal and the potential impact on their lives. We’ve heard about Job Centres who are shocked when someone who is clearly unwell turns up having been told that they are fit for work.
The callers to our line were not benefit scroungers – they were ordinary people whose health had put them in a very vulnerable state. Ordinary people desperate to recover and be able to work, but who just weren’t yet well enough. And instead of offering support and help to recover and then find and stay in work, the WCA process is making their health worse and so, ironically, the prospect of a job even less likely.
The time has come to call a halt in the reassessment process until real changes are made. It’s damaging people’s lives. It’s costing the taxpayer a fortune. And it certainly isn’t fulfilling its purpose of supporting people with mental health problems on their journey back to work.
This Government has some good aspirations on mental health set out in an excellent Mental Health Strategy - it’s seen the importance of good mental health to the country and it’s acknowledged the high cost of poor mental health. But when it comes to benefits and supporting people out of work to get back into work, the DWP is letting people down.
I have taken the decision to leave the Harrington Scrutiny Group. Our concerns about the reality of the WCA have grown, but we see insufficient recognition of the need to change the approach, and the need to do so quickly, before more and more people are subjected to a process which isn’t working.
Mind will continue to campaign on improving the WCA until people with mental health problems get the support and respect they deserve. I hope the Department will hear these concerns and act upon them.
Paul Farmer
Update (4 April):
Some reports have suggested that Paul was asked to stand down. It is true that DWP officials had asked him to re-consider his position, but there was no reason he could not have continued to sit on the panel.
Paul came to his own conclusion that he no longer wanted to be part of the review. He resigned via a letter to Chris Grayling which clearly set out his reasons for doing so.
If you're worried about your situation, our infoline team can help you find personalised welfare advice - 0300 123 3393 / info@mind.org.uk.
95 Comments
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If you want people to have the respect they deserve then campaign AGAINST this government.
Your voice is...where?
People are suffering and all I see from the third sector is greedy profiteers happy to receive slaves forced to work on pain of losing their entire benefits.
If you are party to that then you deserve to be fired instantly. -
I'm glad to hear this Paul, this has needed to happen for a long time. It's been clear that there was never any intention of improving the WCA, of recognising the nature and impact of mental health and denigrating it with questions such as can you set an alarm clock or watch Eastenders. There is no "help" back into employment, the reality for many is unpaid work on the Work Programme which doesn't lead to anything other than deterioration and as you know many employers don't want the risk of taking people on with psychiatric history. Then some people really do need to remain on benefits, and many offer valuable voluntary work to mental health charities, can you please see if you can get chosen voluntary work with professional backing as an additional outcome inbetween working/not working.
I hope Mind will consider legal action because it's clear that you could offer umpteen surveys, petitions and reports and it will fall on deaf ears.
The determination to steam roller this through despite any evidence and with no regard to lost lives shows that something far more robust needs to happen now.
Please take the next step before more lives are lost -
Just heard Paul Farmer on BBC Radio 5Live and what an excellent contribution it was.
Having recently been through the WCA process myself (and am now appealing the decision to find me fit for work) Paul articulated many of the concerns and doubts I have about how the process is working.
Peronally, I believe the WCA is crude, unsophisticated and lacks the sublety or flexibility to fully recognise the complex impact of poor mental health on an individual persons functional abilities.
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I have never understood the abstract concept of a single fitness for work test. There are so many different types of jobs and so many different types of people. Once test cannot cope with all situations.
It would make much more sense to go back and think about the respective requirements of real people and real employers. Try and achieve a good match between each individual and each job. For that to happen government needs to start trusting the innate good sense of people with mental health problems. We can be good judges of our own capability and our own ambitions. We can assess our own fitness to work, especially if the social security system supports episodic working and part-time work. That is a big if.
Employers too need space to articulate their needs. What skills do we really need in 21st century Britain? Do we simply need subsidised shelf-stackers for troubled retailers or can we think more widely? Can we encourage employers to abandon artificial and discriminatory barriers which have nothing to do with the actual requirements of the job? Stigma is still a problem.
We also need to be realistic about what can be achieved at a time of high unemployment. There is no sense in guilt-tripping people if there are not local jobs available. Many welfare-to-work ideas evolved in more prosperous times and I am not convinced that mental health service user policy wonks have adapted to the new economic realities. The government is not going to help so how do we help ourselves?
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Well done Paul Farmer. What a splendid thing to do. A point comes where the only option is to Just Say NO.
Thank you.
My own view is that the test - while flawed - is not the real heart of the problem. To my mind it is the nature of the two groups that is flawed. The Support Group gives you no hope and every one is playing their symptoms up to get in there out of rational fear because the WRAG is so nasty with sanctions, workfare and time limits.
There is one group where you self declare as having no hope and another group where you are open to bullying. People with schizophrenia don’t want to be in either group. There aren’t two kinds of sick and disabled people. They all need hope and none of them need bullying.So I would suggest campaigning to give up this artificial division which makes no natural sense and so which can't ever be tested for and get on with helping all sick and disabled people to work IF they can and not to bully them if they can't.
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Thank you Paul Farmer for taking a stand. Voices of reason seem to be few and far between in this inhumane system of WCA. I know as I've been there.
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Scottish GP's also upset by WCA. Welfare reform in my view was always about benefit cuts and the mentally ill were always going to be the scapegoats on whose head these cuts would fall.
Most who lose their ESA will still be unemployed in five years time. Their health will probably have got much worse,
The damage done in trust is also important in my opinion.
Many sufferers are now distrustful of doctors government and the rest, and here lies another crisis with many reluctant to seek help. including those in work.
No money will be saved in my view.
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We find the most frustrating thing in regards to GOVERMENT AND ATOS, are these are not isolated cases and they number in the 1000's into poor practice,direct discrimination etc,yet all the organisations that have power,influence and financial backing to challenge this do nothing
ISN'T THE SILENCE FRIGHTENING and highlighting,that even where all the millions given by you to such organisations do nothing on your behalf,yet are willing to pay themselves wage packets and treat the people they are alleging to help,with contempt and arrogance. -
Legal action will be necessary because these so-called reforms haven't got anything to do with anyone's welfare except the crooked busnessmen and corrupt politicians involved. This is nothing more than a scam, a collusion to rob the public purse, transferring money from it to a private company (many private companies in the example of workfare) all under a cloak of respectability by calling it necessary reforms. The law should have been called in about this years ago. Grayling, IDS, Carol Black, Freud and Miller; the whole lot of them should be in the dock being forced to answer the questions they routinely dodge in the House and never get asked by the media.
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THANK YOU PAUL FARMER.
This has come far too late, but I sincerely thank you for finally doing what's right.
As Mindreader said, now is the time to act before more lives are lost. Please don't waste this golden opportunity for real change. It's desperately needed. -
Chris Grayling has said that he asked Paul Farmer to resign, could Mind please clarify the situation? Is Grayling lying again? I heard Paul Farmers interview today and it was possibly the best interview I've heard from him. I listened to Grayling afterwards and he continues to lie and lie. The man is a disgrace. He said he understands how people feel about the WCA but says its right what the government are doing and said all recommendations have been put in place, he basically accused P Farmer of lying.
Im in the support group, but only because I had backing from a cpn, and after an horrendous experience of the assessment and down right lies on the so called medical report.
My mental health is worsening because of the welfare business, my next assessment will be in a few months time. Every single day I worry about it. All this constant worry is having a hugely negative impact on my health. The whole system is flawed, unfair and inhumane but this wicked government continue with the lies about "helping" people towards work. All it is doing is causing human misery let alone suicides. Its pushing many further away from the workplace. Its also costing millions in appeals and Atos just keep getting away with it. Its an absolute scandal not to mention a ticking time bomb. This government is just pure evil, I can not express enough my hatred for them, they are destroying my life and thousands upon thousands of others. It has to stop and I pray to god when and if this reaches court, the right decision is made for all our sakes. -
Working tax credit used to be available to those doing 16 hrs, now you have to be doing 24 hrs. If you're single and living alone, you simply cannot do "slivers of time" 10 hrs work on minimum wage, temp contracts with no sick/holiday pay endlessly. You need to be in full-time work - so there isn't the flexibility - you are either completely sick or fit for full-time work.
It must be very clear to all the charities now that it's not possible to work with government, the gloves need to come off. I want to see charities working together, on the news - telling the country that it's costing lives, costing money in appeals, wasting existing voluntary work which gets lost in the stress of it all. Pool resources, mount legal challenges, point the anti-stigma finger in the direction it should be pointed.
This is the best decision you've taken Paul, this is what we've been hoping for, but this needs to be the start of a very different plan of attack
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http://chill4us.com/news/uk-is-breaching-human-rights-of-disabled-un-told
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I had a medical last year from dwp to see if i aws fit for work i told them i left work as i hurt my wrist and had become depressed i was booked in to see a gateway team and the list of anti depression tablets i was on they said i scored 0 so i went to see the cab for help i got my apeal in november i won my apeal then i had to go to job center in jan this year then they put me on a course for 104 weeks i am still putting sick notes in off my doctor and i am on these meds now 45mg of mirtazapineand 100mg of sertaline and now on propranolol up to 60mg a day as well i am getting more stress than i can cope with i am thinking that there is only two ways i can see out 1 is to put myself in hospital or end it as the
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From what I have seen - and I admit I haven't followed the detail - I have the impression that those who designed this process have to some degree confused mental health problems with learning difficulties. Not the same at all as you will all know. I have also concluded that you would have to be sectioned and in hospital (and if there long enough lose your benefits anyway) before you are bad enough to satisfy the government.
I have bombarded Paul Burstow, my MP, on this issue, but with no coherent response so far.
Keep up the pressure, please, for sufferers and their families who are all petrified of this process.
The nasty party is back with a vengeance.
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Great comments everyone. Why is there no facility to prosecute if it can be shown that the assessment process has caused someones death?
Also, anyone involved in this needs to be asking questions about the Government's closeness to UNUM, and trying to break that story open. Because there is a story there, that's all I'm saying.
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Whilst I welcome Paul Farmer's decision I would like to advocate that Mind also leaves the Disability Works UK consortium involved in delivering this government's work programme. I understand that its members have stated that they are not involved in enforcing sanctions directly, but, then this can be left to the DWP and Job Centre Plus which is causing a great deal of distress for those who have incorrectly been judged fit to take part an who could be fined and lose their benefits if they cannot.
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Thanks for all your comments so far, and for sharing your personal experiences of the WCA. We know how distressing the process can be.
We've always worked with governments as we believe our knowledge and understanding of mental health can add value to discussions and make change happen. However, in this instance Paul’s place on the panel was no longer tenable. We’re happy to keep working with DWP and others on this issue and hope to see an improvement to the system
To answer terrifiedtodeath's question, Paul did resign from the panel. We've spoken out about our concerns about the WCA a number of times but we haven't seen sufficient recognition from the Government of the urgent need for change. Sadly we know that stories like yours, which demonstrate the damage the process is doing to people's lives, are all too common. If you haven't already, do take a look at the factsheets on this page, which might help you prepare for your next assessment - http://www.mind.org.uk/campaigns_and_issues/policy_and_issues/making_benefits_fairer-welfare_reform/where_you_can_find_help
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This Tory government and New labour before tham are evil. The test is a disgrace, the people who run it are biased and stupid. Take legal action now to protect us. I am capable of work but limited by my illness. I have and will continue to work as and when I can. I believe we are in the grip of a new nazism
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Unfortunately people simply do not believe many mental health problems exist. If you don't look ill, you're a blagger, if you do look ill you are incarcerable.
People still feel that it's a case of "ignore and march forward" and that if a boot is applied, change occurs. Psychiatry also still believes this. This may also be the problem.
It is now time for Mind to step up anti-stigma campaigning, as the previous ones clearly have not worked. This issue should be testament to this.
Also, on a lighter note: - http://psp.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/03/16/0146167212439213.abstract
and
http://www.miller-mccune.com/politics/is-conservatism-our-default-ideology-40703/
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This Tory government and New labour before tham are evil. The test is a disgrace, the people who run it are biased and stupid. Take legal action now to protect us. I am capable of work but limited by my illness. I have and will continue to work as and when I can. I believe we are in the grip of a new nazism
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UNUM - no insurance company would cover income on mental health grounds, not loss of job or sickness time through mental health.
Government holds mental health in utter contempt and the "mix up" with learning disability is no mistake, it's quite deliberate. How many of them would actively campaign against supported accommodation opening in their area?
There is no parity with physical health because people with long term physical conditions are not told that routine appointments "clog the system" up, and that they're not allowed to see their physicians unless they are in crisis.
The dot-to-dot between redefinition of need, rationing of secondary services, cluster/severity descriptions dove tailing with atos points systems, withdrawal of legal aid, rationing of CAB, making access to services and welfare impossibly hard is little more than barely concealed social genocide. That's before we even get to housing.
The only way for prosecutions to occur are if people who take that route make it clear in letters that is the reason why.
If everyone is reassessed 2 - 4 times a year, given it takes out at least 8 weeks per review in terms of securing CAB help, medical evidence, then the stress of waiting and fearing the letterbox, you're looking at people losing 4 - 8 months of the year with their heads in a vice. They know people will not be able to live with 4 - 8 months of the year in severe distress indefinately.
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thankk you from me and my gf
my gf is on esa already she has learning dis and iam atism adhd and ld
sher has to sign on and two weeks ago one guy stopepd her money for teo weeks if he told her at time she was unable due her diablity to even understand she does her best she does 2 hours voluntary at opa home and does tests there as well to leant thingds more that i xcan do she does look for work too but 29 and nver worked she as with me who has worked just cant do itmy hsappy smily gf last weeks singeed on again and this guy had a go sat her again and she is upset and scared and not the happy gf i had i was the noyl upset scared one now she is too
i am scared as i am in middle of being assess thrgoh the questionaireee i had to get dad ands social worker to fill in
i live so scared i cant even see social workker or doctor yet may have to go to a dwp assesment i cant erven do that.
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At last something to be proud of , I was despairing of the way Mind was going. At least in this respect the decision is right - as an earlier poster above says, there are thousands of examples of completely inhuman decisions and the tests, as I have personally witnessed, are appalling simplistic and that applies even to some chronic physical illnesses, never mind mental health ones. The waste of public money, the deliberate mis information to the public, the deceit of politicians and the passivity of many national organisations is criminal. Time for Mind to become a real focal point for challenge. Never mind "Time to change", it needs to be time to change the sights to focus on the political class who have allowed this to become an acceptable way to handle such a crucial issue for so many peoples lives and survival.
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Some sick and disabled friends of mine on Facebook have started this page to try to keep any news of the Welfare Reforms, NHS Reforms, etc, in one place. We are horrified by how many people are frightened of the ATOS work assessment. Many are physically disabled yet being found work fit or forced onto totally unsuitable 'work focussed groups'. We are delighted with the actions of Paul Farmer and hope that the media do begin to take more notice. It is an open group so please feel free to add your support. It is time the government were told that enough really is enough. They were not elected into power - it is a cobbled coilition and they are destroying Britain by railroading reforms through without proper consultation.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Stop-and-review-UK-benefit-cuts/138735732903678 -
I applaude the decision of your Chief Executive. I hope more will follow and I hope more and more doctors will be prepared to stand up and say these assessments are a disgrace and should be scraped. I am not disabled, but I could be and I think it is something worth fighting for. I have been contacting French Atos workers who are not aware of what happening here and who wrote an article about it, but it is difficult to fight such a powerful organisation. In any case, they should not get away with it. Against this ruthless governement, we are all in it together.
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I think there's another process going on with WCAs. Look up the "Milgram Experiment", which examined how individuals react to authority figures. Test subjects were prepared to continue to deliver lethal electric shocks (supposedly) to an unseen individual because an authority figure told them to.
With WCAs, there are high-profile politicians, commentators and a section of the media telling Atos staff that they have to "weed out" "benefit scroungers"; and so they do that, irrespective of what the evidence of their own eyes tells them, because they accept the authority of those giving the instructions.
Which all boils down to the entire process being fatally flawed. It must be halted immediately.
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grayling should be immediately sacked. The man is a duplicitous lying scumbag with no regard for the health of the unemployed. The Work Programme is a complete failure he refuses, wilfully and in complete ignorance of the facts, to accept. How much more public money will be wasted? How many more lives will be blighted because of his vanity project? I call for a GENERAL STRIKE right now. The unions need to get involved and pressure must immediately be brought to bear on this disgusting fascist government.
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Its time for this vile assessment to be halted untill another more realistic test is developed. Its taken people like you peter to draw this to the attention of the general public, well done
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I wrote an article about this, the work related activity group, sent it to my local paper and they published it, I have also emailed my MP about this whole process, because i cannot believe that this is not more widely reported. My mental state is not great, but it is also not helped when i received a letter stating my benefit is stopping at the end of the month, now i have just received a limited capability for work questionnaire, is any one else confused ?, because i no longer have a clue what's going on. I think the DWP is asking me to re-apply for a benefit that is stopping!
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Thank God someone has had the courage to speak out at last! Well done!
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I am pleased that Paul Farmer has finally seen the light and has resigned from the government's review panel.
It is only a pity that Mind enthusiastically endorsed the WCA from the outset when it was never going to be fit for purpose, and has caused nothing but misery for claimants especially those with mental health problems. ESA was never intended to be a means by which claimants would be helped into work, but was no more than a procedure by which benefits for the sick and disabled could be cut because of a flawed assessment process.
In the circumstances, I suppose the resignation was better late than never!
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Well done! Its about time someone stood up to these evil fascists. I really hope the legal action goes ahead. Something needs to be done about them and quick!!
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I had an assessment in January of this year. I didnt' hear anything until a letter landed on my doormat on Friday 30th March, informing me that as of 28th February I was no longer eligible for ESA and fit for work
On top of that my benefit had been stopped as of the 16th March so I was expecting a payment on the 28th only to find, via the job center, that my payments had been stopped.
thanks to support from Mind and my family I am appealing this decision but I have had to stop direct debits and it has left me in a financial crisis. it has also caused me undue stress and anxiety, I am doing everything I can to get fit enough to return to work , CBT, counselling etc but I am getting no support from the systems that I expect to support me. I have a history of self harm and suicidal thoughts and it's only thanks to the family support I have that I haven't descended this far, however it has knocked my recovery considerably and now rather than concentrating on working towards a recovery I'm fighting to get the money to pay my day to day living expenses and be recognised as someone who is genuinely ill and needs help.
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This Disaster of a government are only interested In the rich. People with Health problems are simply disregarded and treated like dirt. They want to stop all Benefits, Force people to die or commit Suicide so they can cut taxes for their rich friends. Staff at Job Centres have even been taught how to deal with Suicidal Claimants. It Is absolutely Disgusting. I hope the Cons and Lib Dems are kicked out as soon as possible We need people with Care, Compassion and Kindness in power. Sadly what we have at the moment are Rich people helping other Rich people.They are Despicable. Go and take ATOS with you.
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I have no qualms about the fact that I have PTSD and after some treatment still have the effects from it. Although the local NHS fails to notice the facts and symptoms that remain. Combat Stress is hopefully going to help with my continued problems. Veterans whether they served in combat or were subjected to the stress of terrorism at home, still need the support and where possible treatment. This Government has failed to reconize the simple fact that we all suffer for decades after. This test is not right it fails to accept that a percentage of society will need to live off the backs of others, the failure of the Government to provide support to a decent employer such as remploy. This gave disadvantaged persons a sense of belonging to a group, sharing in a activity which improves their wellbeing. Others provide their help in the community and cutting grass around the village or helping others in their local area. Makes things better for all. I think this whole system is providing a good income for a select few and destroying the mental health of the many. I first received my paperwork and tore it up. I had been through the system in the past. It annoyed me to see and feel the need to justify my problems to strangers. Futhermore these so called "professionals" do not see you for more than a hour or so. My GP and specialists see me and accept the fact that I have degenerative conditions only visible via MRI scans. I have accepted that I will no longer be reliable enough for a employer. I did wear both caps as a boss and worker, so I have better judgement then others. I will play their useless game and no doubt be dismayed by the verdict in their favour as last time. Does this affect my human right to a proper health assessment and the treatment I need. I can't wait for the next election and hopefully the chance to rid us of this law.
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We can't trust the government when it says its listening and making changes to the assessment criteria. We know they trade in deception half truths and lies. And I want to echo what Jan says about seeking legal action against ATOS/Government when it can be proved that peoples' health has been adversely affected by the workings of the DWP. It should governments responsibility to protect us not to be our persecutor. Do the mental health alliance have any plans for protests? if not why not?
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I have a mental condition, it is not easy to admit how bad it is, but have worked my entire adult life, having served in the armed forces, If I admitted how bad chances are I would be locked up as it involves a violent nature that is getting harder by the day to live with.
My recent episodes are as a result of mismanagement and bullying in the workplace.
I am the only one who fully understands and acknowledges how dangerous it is for me to be in the workplace. yet, I got no points on the test. The DWP has forced me into the jobs market to avoid going to a tribunal.
I bet I get the blame if I lose it one day because of being pressed too far. -
This all needs much more clarification.
This article says :"The time has come to call a halt in the reassessment process until real changes are made."
But also:
"Mind will continue to campaign on improving the WCA until people with mental health problems get the support and respect they deserve"
Which is it?
It is WAY PAST TIME to call an immediate halt to these tests. All charities involved should join MIND in calling for this amd make it PUBLIC. Trying to "improve" the WCA will lead to more lies, obfuscation, delay, and promises that Harrington is "working on it". MIND needs to be more up front, not only about the mental distress this sytem is causing but also highlight the number of deaths.
A mental health organisation should not be squeamish about discussing the known and documented suicides attributed to the WCA. This is to let those people down, on whose behalf you are meant to be working, in the worst way possible. It also allows further such tragedies to happen.
It also needs to be pointed out that it is not "just" those with mental health problems who are being forced into taking their own lives. This is to let those responsible off the hook. The answer will always be, "well this is unfortunately what people with mental health problems do sometimes and so is nothing to do with us"
Thousands of sick and disabled people with no history of mental ill health are being forced into considering this as their only option, as well. In fact, the WCA is directly responsible for CAUSING mental ill health through the constant stress and anxiety. To be under constant threat of losing any form of income, being made homeless as a result, or forced into the Work Programme, when too unwell to comply, affects everbodys mental health.
It is also not clear: Did Paul Farmer resign? Or was he asked to leave, as Grayling says? Is MIND taking legal action?
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How refreshing and uplifting that someone has been prepared to stand up and 'walk their talk'. Thank you Paul Farmer and well done for standing up for us.
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One of the biggest problems is that the government has engaged in a very successful propaganda campaign. It has taken elements from propaganda campaigns around the world, e.g. 1930's Germany. People forget that what the Nazis did to disabled people was primarily motivated by cost-saving. This government doesn't have to engage in mass-murder - what they're doing, reducing sick and disabled people to poverty, misery and suicide, is enough for them. But where is the fight back by the big charities, including Mind?
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ive found the ESA and WCA process very difficult which made my anxiety, social phobia and depression worse by causing stress and even more anxiety/worry. all ive done is try to get some help to support me and every step of the way the dwp and atos have tried to deny me it and they have done it by corrupted ways. the usual ficticious atos medical reports, dwp rubber stamping the decision and ignoring mistakes and lies that were pointed out. and probably the worst... i was almost sanctioned for 6months for FTA after not recieving a medical appointment letter because of atos not sending me it. it had me in tears everyday for over 2months while trying to get that sorted out, i was close to eviction from my home, hungry and very depressed and i had done nothing wrong!!!
i utterly hate this process and the people that implement it. it is NOT employment SUPPORT allowance when the support is denied! i have recieved NO help from any advisor and they wont allow any as im always on appeal..
i am one of those that has failed an appeal due to not going to it. my anxiety kept me up all night and made me too scared to go, i lost alot of backpayment for not going.ive recently had one of the supposed "improved" WCA's and it still stinks of atos trying every trick in the book to make out that my illness isnt as bad as it is. my illness has ruined my life and DWP and ATOS are ruining it even more.
now i have to worry about being sent to tescos to stack shelves under workfare while in the WRAG? with severe social phobia and anxiety.. really ?????? somewhere not very busy and part time would be much better to try! i'll probably never have to do it as no doubt i'll be stuck on appeal for another 18months+MIND, PLEASE STOP THEM FROM BEING ABLE TO DO THIS TO US.
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Thank you Mind for taking a stand - this has been long overdue. Everyone can take a stand by signing and sharing Pat’s Petition which calls for the government to "Stop and review the cuts to benefits and services which are falling disproportionately on disabled people, their carers and families". The link is here http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/20968
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As an Advocate I spent yet another day yesterday with a man (63) in floods of tears, he has both physical disabilities and a mental health issue - made worse, unsurprisingly, by the flawed and inaccurate WCA, and I am now supporting him through the appeal process, the cost in terms of peoples mental wellbeing is incalculable! Time and time again I hear from people who upon asking for a copy of the assessment, find out that the "approved disability analyst" / "healthcare professional" has put statements on the form that are simply not true, lies such as "can hang his coat up" - when the person informs me that the "HCP" took his coat and hung it up for him", or the , and the quite frankly extremely offensive - "did not rock back and forward (may indicate anxiety / panic attacks)" - having taken nearly 50 people through the reconsideration or appeal process I have only had one person, who due to anxiety did actually rock back and forward, how can this be a descriptor which by the time it gets to the Decision Maker becomes a "medical fact", conveniently forgetting that this is an opinion - formed in 25 - 45 minutes, and that if you dont rock back and forward you dont suffer from anxiety, similarly there is a refusal from them to either admit or acknowledge that just because someone is not either taking medication or has "standard medication" one size does not fit all and some people use other alternate therapies or strategies to cope, they cannot comprehend that any disability or health condition is a very individual condition, I fully support MIND's legal action against this unfair and flawed process.
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The system is horrific and Paul Farmer and MIND are right to take a stand. Otherwise if you collude with such a damaging pernicious system then you are condoning it. Withdrawing makes a clear statement. So much 'consultation' is simply tokenism.
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I have had this assesment and they have taken away my IC.The doctor I saw could not get me out quick enough I asked if she wanted tknow how and what I was feeling and she said No it is upsetting to people I said that lastime I was very Upset She asked me was I violent to others I said no because I dont like violance and try to be a peace full person But I do get angry at times and have had a go at people verbaliy in nasty pharcasm.I had to try and get Jobseekers alowance and the attitude was so inhuman and they nearly drove me to smashing the phone by constantly plying Vivaldis Four Seasons in a very tinny irritating recording and every time the recorde voice came on to say the lines were busy after they finished that little sppeech it went back to the begining of the tiny recording.
I went for an interview with some who was suposed to be my advisor who kept me waiting for 15 minuits with the excuse her computer was having problems. she looked me up and down like I was a complete nothing and not worth bothering with and then promptly sighned me of jobseekers and said to apply for ESA gave me alist of phone numbers. I went down to use the phone in the Jobcenter and was told I could not use them .The advisor said I could so I went to use a outside phone and was told the computers were down.So 2 lots of computer problems I rand the number an hour later as asked by the person at their end and was told computer problems call after 2pm.I called the next day and after a bout of tinny Vivaldi I got through. I am now on this ESA benifit of 67 quid a week but I am awaiting an appeal for IC and will have to go to some interview to asses my employmant capacity or whatever .
What do they want from me? Do they want me to jump of a cliff? that would solve their problems wouldnt it?
OR
Do they want me to turn into a Phycopath and go screeming in the streets at people and attack them and end up in prison ? -
I saw Paul Farmer on BBC 'Newsnight' last night, and I was impressed by his rationality and his presentation of the facts, in the face of a combination of unquestioning loyalty to the Government (the young prat) and the opposition for its own sake attitude of the MP. I know someone whose experiences of the new assessment 'system' seem to match exactly with what Mr Farmer described. I am recommending she contacts MIND.
The current Government likes to think it has a 'joined up' system covering NHS and social security, but it is clear that, particularly in this case, it is incredibly wrong in a destructive way. They also say they aim to help people on benefits find their way back into the 'world of work', but once you've experienced the attitudes of those on the sharp end of the 'system' you become convinced that the poor benighted people entrusted with this task generally have only one aim: to get you out of their office. Hardly a useful approach for people with a mental disability!
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And finally it appears that the penny is starting to drop. This is not about the government ABUSING people with mental health issues this is much bigger. The government is following orders from their controllers and aiming to ABUSE every aspect of society apart from their rich, champagne swilling, old boys clubs friends. It's not just mental health that's been torn apart, it's all vulnerable and minority groups. The media are constantly working in cahoots with the government (possibly because they are being controlled by the same people??) and society like a load of gullible idiots believe what is being printed in the papers and displayed on the tv (surprise, surprise, the tv stations are also owned by the same people who own the papers, the multi national corps and the banks). The government is a corporation (a for-profit business), as is the UK, as is every single police force in the country - check it out on Dun and Bradstreet!! And London State (which is based in London) is not part of the UK and does not pay any tax - just like the Vatican. We have been conned by the "system" for centuries. Everybody has mental health - however many who have mental "illness" display an empathic, caring and loving personality. Who is therefore mentally unhealthy? Why do psychiatrists and psychologists think it is their duty to "normalize" us? Why do we think we should all be working?? Was it not the purpose of the industrial revolution to improve technology so that people would, in fact, need to work less?? Thereby giving us more time to care about our family and our communities. Our society has got so wrapped in a selfish, greedy mentality that we have become obsessed with "stuff" - the latest gadget, the designer clothes, the new flash car that goes even faster than the last one. Why have things come to this? Did we gradually spiral downwards into a material, consumerist, hate filled world or where we pushed in this direction by the rich, powerful and greedy?? I
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I have never had mental health problems and suffer from a neurological condition. However after being involved in protracted disputes with the DWP I have started to develop mental health problems purely due to the experience of having to deal with this department. With proper support and time to deal with your condition there is a chance of gradually improving your health and possibly returning to work on a graduated basis. However the short sighted and refusal to accept most people are honest, causes untold suffering and further problems which results in people being further away from recovering and going back to work. I have also lost faith in all charities and have advised family members to stop supporting these charities as they have stood by and done nothing to support the vulnerable people they were supposed to represent. My faith in charities has started to be restored by Paul Farmer's decision.
Thank you Paul Farmer for doing the right thing.
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Thank you Paul for finally doing something. But this is not getting any media coverage.
It should be a national scandal. You really need to go on the offensive if you are serious about defending vulnerable people. Under this testing regime EVERY ONE is vulnerable . People with physical conditions are also developing mental health problems as a result of the constant fear, appeals and re-testing. This needs to be made clear.
On Radio 4 yesterday, Grayling definitely said that MIND WAS taking legal action against the DWP. Posters on here and elsewhere, now seem to think this is true and about time. But you said you were not involved in any legal processes against the DWP. This needs to be clarified urgently.MIND is still involved with the Work Programme. This is still compulsory. Benefits are still being sanctioned from those who do not/ cannot comply, or even miss an appointment through being ill.
Why is MIND continuing to be a part of a scheme that can see people left with no income for 13 weeks or longer for minor infractions? Sanctions are leading people into homelessness, since HB is not paid if no benefit is being received.
This whole thing is financially costing more than it is saving, especialy when the huge payments to the Work Providers are taken into account.SHP, the homelessness charity, has just announced it is withdrawing from the Work Programme. Will MIND do the same?? Or does it care more about the funding it receives from this and from the government to REALLY stand up for its members and those affected in general.
I also noticed you did not mention in any interiew the suicides that have resulted from this. Why not? The government has a duty of care. So does MIND. If you cannot speak out or act to prevent avoidable suicides, then your existence as a charity is utterly compromised.
Now is the time to seize the initiative. -
Dear Paul Farmer,
Due to your resignation and the overwhelming reponse of support on this blog, do you feel you could give us a statement as to how mind see the best future direction in combating the undoubted prejudice regarding government welfare policy.
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I've just seen my doctor's report from my WCA- you would have to be literally gibbering to pass the test, rocking and incommunicative, you have to present a 'significant danger' to self or others if forced into work/jobclub/whatever they call it this week. the examiner noted, then disbelieved, everything i said to him, so I've effectively been called a liar by someone who did a 20 minute exam and read no records from my GP, physio and the mental health team- and then they have the temerity to say I cant take notes and use them in tribunal? What an utter, utter pisstake. I'm going to tribunal,I'm going to need a lot of help because the stress is going to mess me up good, I regret the drain on the charites' resouces but I cant do this sort of thing alone, and I have no choice but to fight, I cant take the risk that JSA will push me back into the hole no-one can get me out of, I swore I would never go back there, that I would never go through that again. This is about survival now.
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Why can't the government just be honest and cut everyone's disability benefits by 20 quid a week? Oh right, because that won't be fair and the voters will be up in arms? So instead, lets pretend we are trying to "fairly assess" everyone, find most of us fit for work and throw us onto JSA or income support (which happens to be about 20 quid per week cheaper), or just let us survive off relatives and friends for the rest of our lives.
That way, the government can save money and blame us for being scrounging leaches on society. Cr*p for our self-esteem but at least George Osborne's can say he's cut the benefits bill. And that is the important thing.
I'm not angry for me, but I am for friends of mine who are seriously unwell, yet being put through the ringer by a system that finds a sick person well and then expects them to cope.
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You can't work with them, that is abundantly clear [and to other charities] they simply ignore everything that is said so please Paul and Mind don't bang your head against a brick wall, hammer them, legally, & with the media. It makes no rational sense to work with them at all.
Pool your resources with Rethink and other charities, get the best lawyers you can.
And Time for Change - will you please finally direct your energies towards countering political discrimination and hatred -
Really pleased to hear of this important first step, Paul, whilst also hoping that it'll be the start of a larger campaign altogether around welfare reform. Oh that the WCA were the only problem...
The Personal Independence Payment - set to replace DLA - sets entitlement back by a decade and openly 'values' the verbal support needed by people with mental health problems as worth less than the physical help needed by people with physical illnesses or disabilities.
Universal Credit - which will replace means tested benefits as we know them - has no equivalent of the Severe Disability Premium and no potential for people to receive recompense for both being unwell and caring for others at the same time. This in spite of the fact that carers are more than twice as likely to be unwell as the general population...
The Work Programme and associated conditionality is understandably frightening people; although the early rhetoric surrounding the introduction of ESA was 'softly softly', if you examined any small carrot carefully, it was always being dangled at the end of a big, big stick.
They're not just issues for people with mental health diagnoses, they're issues for anyone not lucky enough to be well enough to working - and also of course for the charities funded to support them.
I so hope that the momentum of your resignation can now be carried forward productively - both within Mind and hand in hand with other groups now ready to say 'enough'.
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Steve - I hope you get this. Here is an organization that may be able to help. http://www.combatstress.org.uk/
Apparently they offer therapy of a kind that is appropriate for veterans. As my partner has suffered psychological problems due to combat, I do understand a tiny bit what you are going through.
In addition, I have been criminalised for my responses to inadequate and abusive mental health 'care' so please, please try to do anything but 'lose it'. Wishing you all the best x -
I went for my second medical for esa on 29 feb then i got phone call on 30 march he said that i scored 0 on my claim and that i would have to apply for jobseakers or appeal but i had 1 last year in nov and i won it then i was pt in work program in jan 2012 .i lost my temper on phone and started to swear at him saying that i went through 1 and won but i have to go through it all again or should i just put myself in to hospital then it would cost them more money for them to keep eye on me so i dont hurt myself or anyone else
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There are a number of petitions regarding ESA and work capacity assessments at epetitions.direct.gov.uk/ if anyone is interested.
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Hi Paul
Do you realise that the Condems are claiming that you didn't resign but they sacked you?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2124737/The-Coalition-want-people-mental-health-issues-working-And-work-then.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
truth is often stranger than fiction, but, is lie detector test really necessary??? -
Dont know where you are comming from mind bout time you went more public with the truth but i doubt you will because i worry and this is not an accusation that somewhere as with the doctors who should be making it clear that health is deteriating amongst the mentally ill you have your hands in the governments pockets otherwise why havnt you been more vocal you are quiet like the doctors of this rotten country corruption is stinking gthis country uop.
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The "work capacity assessment" is, in my view, pretty near a form of euthanasia by the back door. No need for the cost of concentration camps, we're just left to rot, quietly, behind closed doors. What if you too ill to sign on or do work placements? You can't claim ESA for 6 months. What do we live on? Air? Paul Farmer has done the right thing in resigning and I hope he continues to highlight the appalling crassness and inadequacy of these tests. Came across the following site which may be of interest: blacktrianglecampaign.com/
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I was diagnosed with Aspergers, more autism officially years ago, and had one of these WCA tests from Atos, it wasn't so much a test more a way of the person to paint me out to be more able than what I was, many of the questions were more about what I did during the day, and if I had suicidal thoughts?
I felt like the person, who turned out to be a physio, had no idea about mental health issues, I was with my parents at the time during the 'test' and although the woman seemed friendly, the 'tests' were silly, like asking me to add some numbers, I even explained that math was my favourite subject at school, although I ended up leaving school due to all my problems and not getting any qualifications.
Anyway I was failed on the 'test' with 12 points as the woman left out things and didn't give me points for something I should of got due to having a mental illness. In reality it felt like I'm wasting my time and have been on the assessment rate now for almost 4 months
These tests aren't fit for purpose at all. It felt like to me all these issues I've had over the course of my life are worth nothing in the long run, and I like everyone else deemed 'fit for work' illegally by Atos am just a number in the system
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Today I am emailing my local councillor to say that I can no longer give them my vote in the up coming local elections. I will be sighting the reason as, the despicable way this government (kept in power by the Lib Dems) has chosen to treat disabled and ill people. I will also sight that it is out of choice not necessity that the lib Dem propped up tory regime is doing this and proves that they never did really care about us.
I don't think withholding a vote is tokenism if you email your councillor and tell them why. I will not be refusing to vote or abstaining. I will consciously be withholding. If enough of us do this giving the reasons why to our councillors (whatever party) it might just filter up the greasy pole. -
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/apr/03/a4e-major-government-contract
We are all going to be alright. This lot will protect us from discrimination.
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I am under investigation from a consultant in Neurology for a neurological problem and have been an out patient since July 2011.
I fully support what your chief executive Mr Farmer has identified with the technicalities of this complicated benefit.
I have experienced first hand of this benefit since 2008 when i was diagnosed with diabetes and lost my job as a coach driver.
I was one of the first claimants to claim contribution ESA and after my WCA was told that I had limited capability and was placed in the WRAG group. My benefit stopped in 2010 before the welfare reform bill was implemented and had no other choice but to appeal and to claim JSA. What a disaster that was, while claiming JSA i was referred to a work psychologist who told me that before seeking suitable employment, that I had to take into account my physical limitations.
I used a point of law in my appeal under section 149 of the Equalities Act and represented myself and lost in the first tier tribunal. I appealed to the upper tribunal and lost due to a lack of diagnostic evidence into my health. In July 2011, my condition worsened and was given a sick note and came of JSA to go back on to claim ESA.
I was not entitled to contribution based ESA so I am now claiming income based ESA and had my 4th Atos Medical in January 2012.
I have now been told that I never attended this medical and a decision to put me into the WRAG is unknown. I have written to my MP and am working with the citizens advice to try and find a solution to this problem. I am expecting to appeal at a later date but on the plus side, this has given me some legal knowledge as it is hard to find adequate representation now a days. Richard
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Nick, it's your choice and I understand your anger-I feel angry too as I've been a victim of ATOS (a.k.a take-tax-payers-money-and-run), my depression and other health conditions worsening as a result-but a landslide against the condems in the local elections would give the government a nice kick in the teeth. I haven't got a political axe to grind but the condems have demonstrated they're living in a parallel universe - enoughs enough.
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http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/go/news/article/1125771/mind-rebuts-dwp-version-resignation-row/
Perhaps service users should be able to read this article to clear up the situation.
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dee,
Heres the reply I got from my local elected councillor.Now were have I heard this before?
Dear Nick
I am sorry that you feel unable to continue to support the Liberal Democrats. I have sympathy for your argument. While it is true that some people have been receiving benefits unjustly, the assessment process must be fair and reasonable. From the number of appeals being made against decisions and the number of those appeals that are upheld, there is a clear case that the assessment process is flawed. It is in everyone’s interest that a review takes place to establish a better process for dealing with this. The need to control the benefits budget is critically important, but it must ensure that those in need receive support and those trying to live off the system are weeded out. This is a national issue that I am sure my Lib Dem colleagues will make every effort to sort out. In the meantime, I do hope you will be able to support us locally in the City Council elections in May.
Regards, Bob
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I do believe it is irrelevant if you resigned or forced to resign, as long as it is true that Mind, and other organisations founded and funded to help/protect/ advice/lobbying etc for the most disadvantaged members of the society, are doing their upmost to stop the current Work Capability Assessment by legal means.
What about using the Disability Discrimination Act? Human Rights Legislation?
Criminals are using the law to get away with deportation! And nothing has yet been done to stop all the persecution and unfair treatment benefits claimants are having to go through because the ones in power do not want to pay their fair share of the cuts! some are giving themselves pay rises, on top of all the expenses they are allowed to claim, tax-payers subsidised food and drinks (yes, alcoholic as well ) in the several restaurants and bars inside the Houses of Parliament, and so on and so on.
And that is what we know! Imagine what we dont know!
Hope the legal action against the WCA is true and will succed very very soon.
Maria
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I posted here last night but they Mind didnt post it obviously to extreme a view .But i just cant understand the silence from my and other Gp s.Social workers etc they know whats happening but turn a blind eye .I have been told by my social worker dont worry be happy to put it in a few words .But when i asked him if he striked for more pension he wouldnt answer .So i am ill but should just lye back and accept poverty and high stress on my wife/carer wich will put massive strain on us.But social workers and doctors rake there high wages i said to him you could have done more .Said something like this here last night but they didnt post it
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Having attended my appeal today I have only just become aware of Paul's resignation through my advocate. My MP Julian Smith has been aware of my case and I have written to him tonight with the outcome of my appeal where I went from 0-30 points for my mental health, and they decided not to assess my physical condition. Here is an extract of my letter to my MP. I would ask Mind please that take legal action against this very unjust system.
Whilst feeling relieved that I have passed I have come away with a strong sense of injustice about the system that puts vulnerable people through this, and we have no recompense against the ATOS or the unfairness of the WCA. I am also aware from a friend who went to appeal and went from 0-18 points after waiting 9 months for one that three months later she has had to go through another medical.
This system is not designed to help people with mental health problems get back into work, it has the opposite effect as we become more ill. I have now had two medicals, tried work and failed the first time and now have been put into the work related activity group. I don't have a problem with being in that group provided it does have the capability to support people with mental health problems as I do eventually want to work in some capacity, but need to do this in my own time at my own pace and not to have the threat of another WCA hanging over me.
I would like to request please that the Government be made aware of my case as an example of the effects of the WCA, and to raise the point that what my appeal will have cost could no doubt have paid for my ESA and more whilst I was trying to get well.
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I'm very pleased that you've taken this stand but only wish that you'd done so much sooner. How much damage has been done while the government were able to point to Mind's position on WCA as supportive of their policies? I hope that Mind and similar charities take a much more robust line and focus all of their attention on fighting this dreadful process. The WCA is a horrible ordeal for every genuine claimant but uniquely so for those with mental health issues. If you have arthritis, back pain, diabetes, etc at least the process itself doesn't directly affect your health. With mental health problems even the anticipation of the initial letter, then the interview, then the judgment can cause a rapid deterioration in a person's health. The government either do not recognise this fact or choose to ignore it. The general public, fed a diet of 'scrounger' stories by a complicit media, need to understand that NONE of them are immune from developing a mental health problem. The media need to be tackled on their constant negative attitudes to benefit claimants in general and people with mental health in particular.
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Nick, think your libdem candidate doesn't know the difference between "living off the system" and "playing the system"! Speaking for myself, I've been a taxpayer in the past and never begrudged part of my taxes going towards supporting those who can't, through no fault of their own, support themselves. And I expect the system, or the state (which should be us, collectively), to do so. This isn't nannying. It's humane.
Hope you find a candidate in the local elections who shares your concerns - it would be a shame not to vote as it's the only bargaining chip we've got, really, where politicians are concerned, but I understand your sense of disenfranchisement.
Have found some sites which contributers to these pages might find interesting:
Campaignforafairersociety.com
Blacktriangle.org
And a blog: Atos register of shameUp to us, I guess, to pile on the pressure where we can to get things changed.
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http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/investigations/2012/04/32-die-a-week-after-failing-in.html
They don't care that people are dying, and if I do I will make sure my letter says why so it can't be denied
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/apr/05/housing-benefit-cut-young-people
they are attacking people on housing, welfare and services, and even though they know they won't win the next election [don't vote Labour they started it and agree with all their policies] they are happy that in a single term of office they can decimate this country's social fabric, privatise the NHS and get rid of as many disabled people as possible, that was their aim. The hatred cuts both ways though.. -
It has become clear over time to me that the unspoken policy is to make claimants, regardless of the evidence, go through the appeals process. It has also become clear that government, the DWP and Chris Grayling are fully aware of the negative health concequences this is having on many claimants.I have heard one report that said Chris Grayling has accepted that a number of suicides can and have been apportioned to latest benefits policy.
Surely in any other area of health care this would immediately call a halt to this kind of strategy with patients. Mind together with the other mental health charities must demand an immediate halt to the WCA. Sighting a proper independent review. They should also seek immediate legal action to stop the whole despicable practice in it's tracks until an independent reveiw and proper testing of any future tests. Listen to those you represent and have the courage of your convictions.
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My Name is Sarah Ure, I am 36 years old and been a mental health patient for 18 years.
I have not had to do a medical since 2003 which a failed but got it overturned.
I am terrified of having to do a medical because i am not good at communcation.
I have been dignosed with stress, have anxeity attacks, deprissan and on high dosed depo injections for sizophernia.
I am forced to live in society and budget my money stay on correct side of the law, hated by everybody who drinks in pubs in London and drink in coffee shops the all talk about saying that sarah ure is a scrounger and a nasty peice of work when I am sick in the head and calling me a theif and lair.
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Thank you very much indeed for your resignation from the panel Mr Farmer.
Further to this, can you please, please, please reconsider Mind's postion in relationship to the Work Programme (any of it), and jettison your charity's connection to it forthwith.
Thank you again, there now appears a growing glimmer of hope coming from the Charity sector, please keep it up.
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Glad that something appears to be happening by way of an advocate making a stand.. It would have been better if this happened a lot sooner now hopefully more will follow and we can get this awful process stopped and the VICTIMS compensated.. Let's never forget that we as health care professionals are supposed to improve public health and help people to access the support that they need. No one asks to become unwell let alone be put through this nightmarish procedure..
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http://www.communitycare.co.uk/blogs/mental-health/
according to this you're not taking legal action - why?
What's the point of resigning and then doing nothing? -
So Paul Farmer, now you've finished lapping up the glory what's your next move? If reports are to be believed you're not taking legal action so what are you doing? Or was this just an easy publicity stunt to gain favour for Mind where it was previously lost and to look good where you were previously looking absolutely terrible due to your continued involvement in the workfare programme? No point making these grand gestures if they're not followed up.
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It is clear to me that with burgeoning numbers of us on Incapacity Benefits, there is also a burgeoning incurability in our conditions which is what crucially should be addressed. The talk of setting us in the yoke of employability is completely mis-placed and inappropriate - and even more mis-guided than the Government's assumptions about our employability is the mis-placed belief that mental ill-health is of necessity a recoverable position to relaunch careers. The current powers-that-be have been busy dis-mantling all of the carefully assembled inter-disciplinary arrangements that set us on the road to making recovery feasible, setting us back 30 years as a result. That fleeting glimpse of better prospects to come has now evaporated and the long process of building up and remedying the Immense Damage and havoc is having to start again. Will these people Never Learn from what the specialists are Telling Them? I am not simply Disgusted, I am Appalled at the philistine vandalism that has obliterated mental health services in the last round of Cuts. Government, Think. Think. Think Again.
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Why have you and other big Charities not come together and taken legal action on behalf of sick and disabled? How many more have to die?
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I have had two letters now from the DWP informing me that my ESA is stopping on the 30th April, one was enough to make me feel anxious, depressed and completely helpless, the second is just pure duplication, and an un-necessary evil, and it amazes me because it must be costing the DWP a small fortune, but it's allright for them to pay the postage costs, but they can't and won't pay the ill and disabled a modest sum to live on when we really need it, i have worked all of my life like others until i couldn't, and therefore had to become reliant on ESA, and i also get DLA, but here's my argument, the DWP agree i have an ilness mental rather than physical, although also physical when i am extreme, and Atos state i am unfit for work, so how can they then just stop the benefit and expect us all to magically get by on fresh air, when they accept that i/we are not fit and have an illness? Where are our human rights?
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I have never ever heard of an NHS professional who was made to sign the Official Secrets Act as part of their job.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/apr/12/atos-doctors-sign-official-secrets-act -
As a suffering person I have opinions on both sides of the argument.
Individuals will naturally gravitate to their best level of meaningful activity in life. Its a work rest and play balance for everyone.
However you cant run before you can walk and perhaps more of the government budget should be placed in the hands of OT's and practical work experience for mentally ill individuals.
To deny some people the opportunity to work and to make others lead a miserable life with little income and hope is clearly wrong. -
I hope Paul's resignation heralds a new spirit at MIND to stop pretending that this government is of any use to those with mental health issues whether diagnosed or not.
Its mere existance and policies are a contradiction and its actions re the health white paper incredible. Why anybody Trusts them or the Department of Health is beyond me!
The ill, the poor, the weak or disabled are expendable and the sooner they can get them out of the way of thier brave new world the better
So stand up and fight. Not just narrowly over this cut or that benefit being changed but everything and for everyone. Working or under-employed. Ill or well. Younge or old. Black or white.andrew harrison
ex Mindlink co-chair
Lincoln -
I had a medical 4 weeks later i got a phone call from DWP to say i scored 0 on my medical and i would have to go on jobseakers or appeal i said that i went through 1 and i lost my temper on phone and said send me the form its been 14 days and i have not getting it yet but got a letter on the 12 april to say that i am going on income based esa in stead when i lost my temper on the phone i told the man that i nealy got ran over because i walked out in front of a car at night as i was getting up set i did not care i went to my doctor and told him can i get a ect he said no what else is there i can do
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The whole process is totally flawed,For me it all started in june 2011,as soon as i received the letter about it i started to get more anxious (over the coming months rightly so!) at the Altos assessment where i had to wait 2 hours before being seen! i was told i had been placed in "work related activity" so i then set out to appeal, then i was phoned to say i was in the support group and no need to appeal (the paperwork confirming this never arrived) so when i contacted them again i was told i was not in the support group and would have to make a late appeal! this was completed and sent off in december 2011,i then had a letter saying the decision had been reconsidered and (no change made!) so did i want it to go to a tribunal hearing? so now with this going to court by approx october 2012, in febuary 2012 i was summoned for another Altos assessment in sheffield where i told them how with all the added stress/anxiety my condition was now far worse and had recently started to see the psychiatric nurse for help,then on 11 april i received a letter telling me i have failed the last assessment and I AM NO LONGER ON THE BENEFIT AND I AM FIT TO WORK??, so i now have no money coming in and feel suicidal,i do not know what to do,or who to contact to try making sense of it all i have seen my Doctor who has given me a sick note which i have now to send off with yet another appeal form that i have to fill in! HELP PLEASE!
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Dear Peter,
I am so sorry and deeply aggrieved to hear about your totally despicable, negative experience with the DWP and Atos. It causes me deep anxiety just hearing about experiences like yours as, I have it all to come myself. These people obviously don't understand how little it takes to tip people over into reverse. Neither do they seem to care. I just hope you get your appeal sorted soon.Mind, how can you just stay publicly silent in the face of experiences like this. I heard this morning in response to the Daily politics show saying that according to Atos, there survey suggests a 90% percent satisfaction rate. How can you remain indifferent in the presence of such lies!
Wheres your legal team? Wheres your voice? Its gone beyond tokenistic gestures saying 'Oh isn't it awful'. Pull your finger out for Gods sake! Stop thinking about your careers and do something for those who have no chance of getting one.
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I blogged on here a few days ago but for some reason none shown between 5th - 11th April?
I returned to work in 2000 following a long illness and now in 2012 find myself unable to carry on working as poor support from employers had led to my biggest relapse for years. How can DPW carry on in this disgraceful manner - do they not realise the system is flawed and until they get employers attitudes to change the system is a faliure.
I worked so hard to overcome years off sick yet find myself kicked down time and time again by company sickness policies. I have had enough of people talking and no action being taken in a country that should hang it's head in shame on how mental ill health is dealt with.
All DWP is doing is increasing the impact of mental ill health and I am saddened that so many comments here imply that people are frightened and having their illness enhanced by government policy.
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I have just received notification of my WCA and what a surprise!
O.
I guess this means that I will have to face the Appeals Process for a 2nd time even though, I have been told that Job Centre plus recognise that I am Disabled with a Long Term Health Condition.
What has this Government done, to recognise Fluctuating Conditions? Will I get my Adequate Representation ?
You Chief Executive is right in stating that the WCA is not fit for pupose.
I have just realised now that this process is a cost cutting exercise.
My GP has signed me of sick with a Med 3 Certificate and I am still an out patient awaiting diagnosis evidence.
Can any body tell me if there is another sickness Benefit in place or
do I have to put up with this system which clearly breaches Section 149 of the Equalities Act 2010 sub section 6 which is supposed to protect people with protected characteristics.
My advice is fight for you rights! -
Just wanted to say, if anyone has been through the ATOS ordeal and managed to wade through the mountain of paperwork DWP send you when you appeal, the pages listing the activitities you are marked on are the most useful.
You only need a score of 15 points overall. "Cannot cope with very minor, expected changes in routine to the extent that overall day to day life cannot be managed" (activity 17), for example, warrants a score of 15 points in itself.
Find the descriptions that refer to you and stick to them through thick and thin, backing them up with any evidence you may have and/or examples from your everyday life.
Take someone with you to the tribunal if you can, such as an advocate or disability rights officer- CAB will help. If you have to be reassessed by ATOS, again take someone official with you to discourage them from falsifying evidence, which they did in my case.
Don't give up the fight and you're not alone!
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I'm mentally ill along with my two adult offspring and my best pal.I wanted to spread some reassurance concerning sickness benefits.you need to embark on the illness route with an effort worthy of a career,an irony I know.I have a lot of reluctant experience navigating the system and have a few solid conclusions.You need to obtain a G.P. with pragmatic intelligence and no fear of unstable minds,go shopping if you need.Co operate with ATOS as one must, but don't stress over it,they are tasked with knocking back the majority and you will be fine post reconsiderations or appeals including Tribunals,keep the evidence simple and at G.P. level as Consultants' opinions are often ignored (curious) remain honest and accurate,this can include ceasing/adjuting medications on the day of"assessments" to show the effects.Last,always have another person with you for the many assessments,they don't need to be in the interview,but have provided transport with ,and for you(both)
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Just like David Nutt - been there myself in a small way but always reserve the right to keep on fighting
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