Atos On Tv Tonight Whos Cheating Who Bbc1 Scotland 10.45

[pompeyfaith]

davina i still think it is worth writing to him as he said he will lobby parliament on the programme and if we can get just one mp involved who ever he is its a start in the right direction as for the petition yes we can do that too as we have to go in with all barrels loaded PF

[sourplums]

The story of the woman who worked for the DWP who had the medical and was passed as unfit for work only later to have another medical by the same people and passed as able to work was laughable, the womans story who died from cancer was an absolute disgrace and those people should be pulled over some very hot coals regards the woman who worked for them.

 

It absolutely stinks to high heaven that the company who are doing the medicals are trying to appease the DWP with their false stats, the numbers of genuine ill people who are being failed by this system is shocking.

 

Has anyone found out yet why this was only aired in Scotland or is Scotland the only place in the United Kingdom with people on IB...I think it was an absolute disgrace putting that programme out in only one part of the country if this is the case and would love to know the reason why.

[Yet_Another_Atos_Victim]

Just received an e-mail from the maker of the programme thats on tonight! :wink:Basically it was just to let me know that the ESA 'issue' was being looked at in the programme that on tonight..BBC SCOTLAND. 10-45..

 

However he did say, that he had been inundated with complaints about ESA and it's a subject that the BBC 'may well come back to ONCE Government policy on it becomes more clear'...

 

i DID ASK why it was only being aired in Scotland? He hasn't replied to that yet...

 

At least it's a 'start'....

 

Where's LIBRO these days?? As He might have to get 'that coach' ready for the rebellion to Downing Street orgainised soon!...lol ( bagsey the back seat! )

 

Hi Countmein,

 

Thanks for your post, and just in time too. I watched all but the first 10 minutes of the program on Virgin cable and have e-mailed Danny Alexander, Secretary Of State For Scotland, who took part in the program as follows:

 

"Dear Danny Alexander,

 

Having seen your appearance on yesterday evening's BBC1 Scotland TV 'Scotland Investigates' program, entitled 'Who's Cheating Who?' and also bearing in mind your work on the Welfare Reform Bill Committee, I am contacting you in your capacity as both an MP and a government minister.

 

Having worked for virtually all of my 32 adult years and having seldom claimed benefits, I find divisive labels like "rooting out the cheats" and notions of "the undeserving poor" seemingly applied to all 2.5 million incapacitated taxpayers to be extremely offensive. I'm sure you will agree.

 

Currently claiming ESA, I have been alarmed at the behaviour of Atos (applying pressure against notetaking during my WCA, taking 9 weeks to reimburse my travelling expenses, telling lies to DWP and myself about the handling of my assessment, excessive delays 'investigating' their own mistakes and getting my ESA stopped through false information to DWP.

 

Viewing tonight's program I was horrified by the reported hounding into work of terminal cancer patient June Mitchell. The story made me very angry. It was not a complete surprise though, because, since having my first dose of Atos I soon found the case of terminal cancer sufferer Mike Bach, whose disgraceful treatment at the hands of Atos is chilling - [see

http://www.whywaitforever.com/dwpatoscontract.html

]

 

As HealthCareProfessionals, surely Atos' medical staff's hippocratic duty is to "First Do No Harm", which plainly is not happening. Ethical problems aside, it can't be common sense to process vulnerable sick people so as to lengthen their illness.

 

Two factors here appear to result in a formula:

 

1. No doubt that the incapacity figures may be massaged by targeting some individuals to be forced onto JSA - (The official Blair/Brown government target for this is 1 million people)

 

2. True that a limited number of jobs exist within Atos but the only true motivation for the involvement of this dire company (Atos) in ESA must be the further enrichment of this £5Billion-per-year global monstrosity.

 

The formula for 1 + 2:

Insane government target + greedy plc = Public Misery

 

My suggestion and request is this: Let's have a prompt judicial review of Atos Healthcare's behaviour, AND in meantime, there should be an emergency DWP compliance team inserted immediately into Atos to enforce fairness and a little humanity, for God's sake!

 

Britain is in severe budget deficit due to greedy banks, greedy big business and greedy politicians. It's not the so-called "undeserving poor" who have created this mess, nor the current mass unemployment but it is we poor who will be paying out of our ever-dwindling disposable incomes to help you sort it out. We'll row the galley because we must, but try not to whip us to death while we're still at sea.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

John Moore"

If anyone else on CAG wants to e-mail Danny (I found it very fiddly so please excuse me for sharing it with you):

1. You can access his website: http://www.writetothem.com

2. Because Danny's the MP for Inverness, type in his constituency office postcode IV3 5HR in the search box

3. Click on Danny Alexander

4. The contact message form comes up and you can fill in your own contact details as normal then any message

 

PS I forgot to ask Danny to get rid of Atos, but then we'd probably get another outfit like Crapita or Edexcel who might be worse (I don't want to go there but it's just possible they could be even worse)

[mazbck]

That is the programme ready to watch

[loan_ranger]

Thanks Davina for posting the iPlayer link, I'll look forward to watching that in the morning when I get up.

 

@ PF, ee-bee et al, be nice to Danny Alexander M.P. please, it's because of MPs like him that I vote Lib-Dem, they were constantly and repeatedly questioning the Labour Secretary of State for work and Pensions regarding Welfare Reform and asked for more consideration be given for fluctuating conditions and mental health problems which otherwise would have been even more 'overlooked' in these reforms. The Lib-Dems have also been the most vociferous party in criticising the appalling delays which people suffered when trying to phone up for a crisis loan, people used to have to ring constantly for several days before they could speak to a DM, this led to me creating my previous Crisis Loans web-site as a protest against the DWPs lies. Thankfully the CL by phone situation has dramatically improved over these last few years which is why I put the CL web-site into semi-retirement and just have it as section on my new site.

 

More about Danny Alexander M.P. can be found here as well as a link if you want to write to him and get acknowledged:

Danny Alexander MP, Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey (TheyWorkForYou.com)

 

Please bear in mind that Danny isn't Work and Pensions although he was a Lib-Dem spokesperson on Work and Pensions during the last parliament. He has now moved on to become Secretary of State for Scotland in the new cabinet.

 

Also, it is customary for M.P.s only to reply to matters referred to them by their constituents, so those who wish to write to Danny may be in for a disappointment, the correct M.P. to lobby is your own constituency M.P., it's parliamentary protocol I'm afraid.

 

Kindest regards,

Paul.

Edited May 27, 2010 by loan_ranger

[speedfreek]

wow that is going to kick up a stink and its time to flood Mr Alexander MP with our complaints please all write to him and him know how you were treated by atos will also be interesting to read that damming report by the CAB when it is released tomorrow

 

Well the BBC (the Government funded propaganda machine) has just been rolling out the man on the estate with a broken back saying it easier for people to cheat the system and claim sickness benefits.

 

All interviews are along the lines of "we need to get people back to work and simplify the benefit system (ESA is go)! There's a lot of very subtile inference that all benefit claiments are scroungers/layabouts/cheets" and no mention whatsoever of how this new all in one benefit isn't working.

 

I also think that the whole ATOS thing is a bit of a read herring being used by the DWP as a convenient scape goat to deflect attention. i.e. you don't beat the monkey turning the handle if you don't like the tune. As it can not change it! You need to beat the person who owns the organ and loaded the song role in the first place.

 

Not going to be popular view on here atm but think about this.

 

Who have changed the criteria and the fundamental process of claiming (without making anyone aware)?

Who initiated this?

Who signs off and commissioned the lima system and the rules that govern it?

Who now uses this as a basis and refuses to contact doctors anymore for information?

 

Who loaded the dice? DWP or ATOS

 

ATOS are employed to collect information for the DWP. The DWP not ATOS decide what and how that is collected and used.

 

What needs to be challenged is the fact DWP is not obtaining evidence from Doctors and specialists and even when it's provided their blatent disregard for it. As the way ESA is working at the minute is that it is up to the claiment to prove their ilness by obtaining their own reports from their carers to backup their claims.

 

Since neither the claiments or their carers understand what is required by the DWP this is near on impossible to get right. There's also no obligation for carers to provide this info (as requests rise for it they will start to refuse) add to that the removal of funding for welfare rights and it's not looking good.

[Helen2264]

I am not sure he can help, he is a minister for scotland I think, nothing to do with Social or Medical Service for the UK

 

The new government ministers for work and pensions and health are:

 

• Secretary of State for Work and Pensions - Iain Duncan Smith (Conservative)
  
• Secretary of State for Health - Andrew Lansley CBE (Conservative)
  

I think way to go is to create a number 10 petition, I am not sure how this is created and approaches but I remember seeing something similar regarding a different issue.

 

I guess this petition to Number 10 would be to request an independent investigation of the work of ATOS and maybe request a change of the company assessing the ill people.

 

Introduction to e-petitions | Number10.gov.uk

 

Shame the new government and the Queen's speech both mention fairness, yet they allow Atos to lie and be unfair.

 

In my own Atos assessment the assessment person was a nurse and she wrote a complete opposite to whatever I said.

 

100% same as mine at my medical the so call Health Professional told me the DWP would make the decision yet when I receive my letter obviously I got nothing they told me the decision was made by the Health Professional at my medical this is a story you hear over and over from most 95% of the claimants, I have been refused DLA also based on my ESA Medical something got to be done if only all the claimants would get together and fights to stop this madness.

[ee-bee]

Benefits agency tells severely ill people they must seek work - Herald Scotland | News | Home News

[Dragon2020]

What is more annoying and scary is how government appointed medical companies tell you your not fit to do any job and then wen you apply for the benefits you are refused based on the same medical companies who are now saying your fit.

 

I hope this new government will do something about this but when you look at the benefit reforms they are going to bring in we may get an even harder treatment.

 

Like me and many others with disabilities, we have struggled over the years to get respect! for expample when I was younger mothers didnt want there kids to play with me for fear they caught something. how do you catch a congenital disability.

 

Are we going back over ?

[doktorjohn]

I thought the programme covered the story very well. Typical of the DWP or any Tories to not come out and speak about it.

 

john

[ee-bee]

yes i agree,but do you think any good will come out of it,we really need to somehow bring this problem to light on all bbc or alternative channels,and i dont know how to do that,i`v wrote to my mp several times but its obvious he`s not prepared to help

[Like-Im-Being-Ripped-Off]

Where's LIBRO these days?? As He might have to get 'that coach' ready for the rebellion to Downing Street orgainised soon!...lol ( bagsey the back seat! )

 

Hi count

been on a mission of justice it cost me a week inside Her Majesty's prison.

The food was crap.

we must keep fighting this shame.

 

Libro

Edited May 27, 2010 by Like-Im-Being-Ripped-Off

[doktorjohn]

Don't worry; Ian Bunkum-Smith is going to get everyone back to work so we'll all just jolly well pull our socks up (some of us may need help with the socks) but we're British and it's all hands to the pump.

 

The pump is actually broken and there's no money but with stiff upper lips we could blow the bloody thing up with sheer will-power.

 

Sorry er..not sure what we're blowing up. I'll get back to you.

 

IBS (Irritable Bunkam Smith)

[Yet_Another_Atos_Victim]

@ doctorjohn & Dragon 2020

 

Very much agree with all your comments.

 

Also, the IBS analogy made me laugh more than I have done in a long while - nice one!

[COUNTMEIN]

yes i agree,but do you think any good w ome out of it,we really need to somehow bring this problem to light on all bbc or alternative channels,and i dont know how to do that,i`v wrote to my mp several times but its obvious he`s not prepared to help

 

 

I totally agree ee-bee. I think we should all do as much lobbying, publicisiing / complaining etc-etc-etc as possible to 'absolutely 'anyone' who we think may 'hear our plea' and take some notice to this scanderlous sham of a supposedly 'welfare-system'

 

I for one, am just about SICK-TO-DEATH! of being branded a LIAR / BENEFIT CHEAT / BENEFIT SCROUNGING NO-MARK!!. by the Government and media and the perception they portray of anyone who has the 'ordasity' to 'BECOME ILL'!!!

 

Please could someone in 'authority' confirm if it's ok to post a link to this consumer forum in any correspondence we may send to people?...asI was going to e-mail that Scotland reporter/director chap back to 'ask a few more questions etc? and I'd like to start by asking him to take a look 'here'? but need to know if thats 'allowed'

 

cheers

 

countmein x

[mazbck]

Ive just had a letter in today 'inviting' me for an assessment!

 

Im suppose to be in a support group with the JCP on ESA, and have had no contact with them at all, I even found my own wee part-time job(11 hours a week), its enough for me at the moment as with all the stress with my son etc, hasnt helped my illness any!!!

 

The JCP know about my job, but Im wondering if I should mention it to the ATOSH thingies!!

 

Ive informed the JCP about it and Im not supposed to get one until I meet my advisor!!

 

So I wonder after last nights programme if things here in Scotland will be any different. I will be taking my hubby with me and letters from doctor and physiotherapist too.

Edited May 27, 2010 by mazbck

[pompeyfaith]

Countmein Hit that red triangle to your left and ask the siteteam there

[ErikaPNP]

 

Please could someone in 'authority' confirm if it's ok to post a link to this consumer forum in any correspondence we may send to people?...asI was going to e-mail that Scotland reporter/director chap back to 'ask a few more questions etc? and I'd like to start by asking him to take a look 'here'? but need to know if thats 'allowed'

 

cheers

 

countmein x

 

It's a public forum - you are welcome to post a link to the forum anywhere you wish to. If, however they want to ask questions of members for campaigning, TV etc, they need to clear it with admin by email first, in accordance with section 6 of the forum rules

 

6 JOURNALISTS, MEDIA COMPANIES, CONSUMER & OFFICIAL BODIES, SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY PROJECTS

 

6.1 In order to verify that requests for help with news stories, investigations, surveys, research projects, etc., are genuine, we ask that an official request for permission be made to site administration (admin@consumeractiongrou p.co.uk) BEFORE any posts are made, or any attempt is made to directly contact our users. Failure to do so may result in posts being removed without notice whilst investigations are made to verify that the request is genuine.

 

NB: We cannot advise more strongly that journalists and media companies contact administration to discuss the story/article/programme they are working on. There are numerous options open to ensure that you can access the information you need as quickly as possible, and by talking to us we can look at the best options to help you with your project.

[COUNTMEIN]

many thanks Erika for the prompt response - Great!

[Helen2264]

Please could someone in 'authority' confirm if it's ok to post a link to this consumer forum in any correspondence we may send to people?...asI was going to e-mail that Scotland reporter/director chap back to 'ask a few more questions etc? and I'd like to start by asking him to take a look 'here'? but need to know if thats 'allowed'

cheers

 

countmein x

 

I was thinking the same things you got there before me.

 

cheers

 

 

helen

[RaeUK]

countmein, I would feel free to link to this forum whenever you have the opportunity. I certainly have done in my ongoing correspondence with my MP and I know he's at least aware of it...

Best wishes

Rae

 

 

[EDIT: posted in response to your post on page two - without realising there was another page! Oh well...]

[hendo001]

hiya folks!

 

thanks for the iplayer link I have now watched the show.

 

I wonder what LIBRO did to get locked up.

 

I feel that everyone of us should write to our own mp's and tell them how epicphail ESA is.

 

Also we should send them links to all the horror stories we can find about esa and ATOSH like mike's case and the bbc news stuff and links to the show last night.

 

Also I think we should hold some kind of petition and collect signatures and stuff.

 

We could also ask some groups like 38 Degrees who are always lobbying the government about various issues to assist us in our efforts about ESA.

 

We could also set up a facebook and twitter group about esa too.

 

If need be I can set them up... (gonna do that right now!)

 

best regards!

Hendo

[hendo001]

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=124620854227294

 

ok made a new facebook group and acc for it

 

please join if u have facebook

 

And a twitter feed too

 

http://twitter.com/ESAunfit

Edited May 27, 2010 by hendo001

[pompeyfaith]

Right that report done by citizens advice mentioned at the end of last nights programme.

 

I've now found it

 

anyone know now to post a adobe file on here?

 

PF

[pompeyfaith]

Right, here you go

 

Enjoy the read.

 

not_working_march_2010_final.pdf