Atos Healthcare

James123_2

Hi there
I've been on IB for 20 months. This follows my cancer diagnosis.
In this time I've been called for work-focused interviews and been asked to complete the dreaded IB50. However, with my latest IB50 there's a covering letter from some quango called Atos Healthcare. A quick google tells me that they're basically out to get you back into work and paid a bung for doing such. I just wondered whether I should read anything into the fact that my case seems to have been passed to these 'good' folk. In other words, will there no be more pressure on me. I'm told that, unless I'm actively having chemo, I can be considered for work.
Thanks in anticipation.
James

richard9991

atos care cary out medical examinations for dwp they have recentlly started issuing ib50 instead of dwp to speed claims up as dwp used to send your form to them anyway also it is not there decision to decide wether you are entitled to benefit but a dwp dm

Oldernotwiser

Most people would think that getting people back into work or preparing to do so was a good thing.

James123_2

Thanks, re above. Appreciated. I've obviously no problem with working - indeed, I worked without benefit or break for 25+ years until 2007. The whole process just feels a little clumsy. Equally, it's possibly a little unrealistic to expect an employer to take on an individual who is still actively fighting the big C. I hear stories of folk on IB for decades for infinitely lesser ailments, which does seem improbable given the apparent enthusiasm of the DWP to chase claimants without reference to their circumstances. I'm young yet so hope to return in some capacity.

cattie

The rumour that Atos get paid for getting people back to work has been going around for at least a couple of years.

There is asbolutely no evidence of this, despite investigation by some welfare rights advisors, so it's best to treat such tales with a pinch of salt.

Atos do very well out of the contract for supplying the medicals for dwp & this is how they make their money.

Oldernotwiser

James123 wrote: »

I hear stories of folk on IB for decades for infinitely lesser ailments,

But a lesser ailment might have more major effects on somebody's care and mobility needs.

I hope your treatment continues to be successful.

James123_2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

But a lesser ailment might have more major effects on somebody's care and mobility needs.

I hope your treatment continues to be successful.

Thanks, but the point was rather that I am still fighting the disease. So, let the next round of paper-chasing commence. Whether imagined or otherwise, I feel that those who don't wish to manipulate the system and have something as major as cancer are considered as soft targets by the System.

Jemma-T

ATOS although a acronym sounding like someone concerned with flight booking insurance are very definitely not a QUANGO. A private company who would kill for a profit, yes. But not a QUANGO.

Just keep very good notes and if you're overly worried record conversations (they do to keep themselves 'right').

black_paw

and forms done by atos and sent on to dwp for their person to look at and grade , can take upto 6 months to reach the poor stressed out person at home awaiting the result !

emweaver

atos have had my form for 4 months and havent got back to me. I rang today and was told I had been passed on back in January to have a medical booked but when I rang the people who book the medicals today was told theyve not had my file yet. Im very anxious awaiting to see if I need a medical let alone the results from a medical!

cattie

[QUOTE=

Just keep very good notes and if you're overly worried record conversations (they do to keep themselves 'right').[/QUOTE]


Legally,you are only allowed to record such conversations with the other person's permission & I think you will find that Atos will not agree to this.