[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by Zippy

ALMOST two million incapacity benefit claimants look set to be exposed as workshy scroungers. Damning new figures have for the first time unmasked the horrifying scale of fakers draining Britain’s welfare system. David Cameron has declared war on spongers and four in 10 claimants already tested have been ruled “fit to work”.

40% of sickness claimants even failed to turn up for assessments. Well kick them off benefits then!

As someone who has undergone the ATOS assessment myself a while back...I know this is a load of bollocks. ATOS are pretty much paid to find people fit for work, no matter how ill they actually are, so they can throw out statistics like this. The 'doctors' who assess you are not always qualified either. I had a ex midwife doing my mental health assessment. I was given 8 points, which made me 'fit for work' as you need 15 points to remain on IB. Even though at that time I could not leave the house on my own due to severe panic attacks and general anxiety. The midwife acknowledged this on my form. Along with my GP confirming it. Yet they tried to kick me off the sick, as I did not have the full 15 points. I appealed and won...but it was common sense anyway that if at that time I couldnt leave the house on my own...yes, technically I COULD sign on, only if someone came with me to my signings, but I could not look/take for a job. How many employers would take on someone who was severely depressed, took panic attacks at regular intervals, and had to have someone they knew around them on every shift?

The 'medical assessment' itself, is only someone sitting asking you questions. And they also twist your answers to suit themselves. They try to pressure you into certain answers. And in some cases even totally make up things that you are supposed to have said.

I know a few people who have said exactly the same thing too...they also appealed, and were found by the tribunal to be unfit for work. The tribunal panel DOES actually have a qualified doctor on it. This makes a hell of a difference IMO.