Written evidence submitted by Patricia
Oakley
I work in General Practice assisting patients with
social problems, which includes assisting with Benefit claims
and related issues. I am well aware of the points system, but
even I find the Atos report long winded and confusing when I am
trying to check and explain to patients what the assessment is
saying about their ability under the various headings. It seems
like it is written to confuse.
I also wonder if there could be a highlighted sentence
in the refusal explaining that although some people have medical
problems the Government wants to help as many as possible back
into work suitable for them. Many people I see are angry at being
assessed as having no problem, particularly when they have been
getting Incapacity Benefit and have had no change in circumstances.
They don't understand it.
The current jobs market doesn't help, for claimants
feel if most people can't find work what is the likelihood of
them getting it.
March 2011
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