Breaking News..ATOS quits contract

zak2012

Fit-to-work tests: Atos quits contract
Breaking news
Atos is to quit its contract to assess whether benefits claimants are fit to work, the government has announced.

The firm had previously said it would carry on with the assessments until a new company could be put in place.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26766345

Sarah1987

Hi.

I made a claim for ESA recently and still waiting to get all the documents to send them.. Do you/anyone know if this will delay it? I'm running out of money very quickly..

Thank you,
Sarah

lyndac40

Sarah1987 wrote: »

Hi.

I made a claim for ESA recently and still waiting to get all the documents to send them.. Do you/anyone know if this will delay it? I'm running out of money very quickly..

Thank you,
Sarah

No it won't ATOS only deal with fit to work tests.

All I can say is about time x

Morglin

It's a bit confused, as to what is happening.

ATOS have quit, with immediate effect, and no provider will be in place until 2015.

Anyone due to attend a medical assessment with ATOS, in the near future, should ring and check what is happening, but it appears that new claims will be dealt with by the DWP, using submitted evidence. The DWP will give advice as to where to send stuff, as currently, the ESA50 and evidence has to go to ATOS, first..

Welfare Rights are trying to check if this will affect current PIP claims, (ATOS currently are contracted to deal with (mainly) Southern England), as it seems ATOS have lobbed all of their toys out of the pram, and their reassurances aren't cutting much ice!.

Not a good situation.

Lin :wall:

ilikewatch

All those people who have complained about Atos will look back at the last few years with fond memories by the end of 2015 when Serco/G4S are administering this contract...

lemontart

they actually quit month or so ago this seems to be updated article.

My original understanding is that they have the time left to clear backlog whilst dwp award new contract to someone else.

rogerblack

To quote an announcement by ATOS 'We will be transferring our infrastructure and employees to ensure consistency of service to those going through the process. There will be no change for those applying for Employment and Support Allowance.'

Other than changes to the contract for example to alter quotas, or increase funding leading to longer more-in-depth assessments - it seems unlikely anything significant will change.

Bollotom

Mmm! Sounds a bit like same people, except ATOS, same structure, same rules, same paperwork, different heading. A bit like the difference between Acme Kitchens LTD and Acme Acme Kitchens Ltd. Can't see it being better unless dot gov brings it back in house. :cool:

mion52

I had to retire from work early due to disability. I was receiving Incapacity Benefit (changed to ESA last year) and I was placed in the Work Related Group. I appealed against this and lost and my benefit was stopped in Jan this year. I have never been assessed my appeal was all done by paperwork. I was told to reapply for ESA through mean tested route but as I get a small pension from my employer (£480pm) I do not qualify. I am more upset that they refuse to put me in the other group where my benefit would continue. I am not able to work I would if I could - I am still recovering from total knee replacement a few months ago, this on top of my other disabilities. Any advice welcome.

Morglin

lemontart wrote: »

they actually quit month or so ago this seems to be updated article.

My original understanding is that they have the time left to clear backlog whilst dwp award new contract to someone else.

They were going to stay, until a new provider was in situ, to provide a smooth handover.

It now seems, although it is a bit muddled, that they have quit now.

Who knows?

Lin .)

dinkypoo19

Just phoned as have "medical" Monday. All running as normal. No cancellation!!:(