ESA, your having a laugh!

[furnitman2003]

Hi happyhamr

My WFI ( If that is actually what it is called, it may actually be called Work Focused health related assessment) was at the same place as my Atos Assessment, and is different to the Pathways WFI.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, anyone.

 

Yes I am in the Work Focused Group, getting the additional 25 quid a week, I dont qualify for the support group, still not sure why though.

 

Dont be sorry, I'm STILL confused by it all, just plodding along, lol.

Alan

[furnitman2003]

Another interesting point, at my recent Atos interview/assessment, I told her I had complained about my last Atos 'interrogation' and the lies they had told and pointed out some examples, I also mentioned that the phrasing/wording being used by Atos and DWP in their letters and reports were, at the very least misleading, at worst deliberately done, to cause confusion, thus enabling a biased verdict in their favour, she assured me the way their letters were worded was misleading but they were being reviewed.

About time. I'll believe it when I see it.

alan

[happyhamr]

hellow,furnitman 2003,

 

I think i have been told this before.

 

I have not had a WFHRA assessment yet,but i have attended 2 work

focused interviews at Pathways:confused:....the 1st one being before my original medical(atos),5feb, and the 2nd time was on the 15 march.

 

(thing)

The "Funny" is the second time i managed to get there,i was only there for a few minutes(he saw what state i was in)and another appointment

was made?

Next appointment 23rd of april(did NOTattend),phoned on the 20april, stating "sorry,can not make ". WFI(person) was fine with this and

the next time i am due go again is the 14h of july,bearing in mind my

operation after being cancelled is now the 21 of june.

 

SO,having attended,and still having to go to these (WFI),surely i should

get back all the "back-dated",25pounds?...yes/no or am i being to

"OPTIMISTIC", IF NOT ,why do people have to "attend/go to these

 

Work....Focused...Interviews.,cheers:-)hamr

[happyhamr]

I will probably get a WFHRA,when hopefully "all fit and well

 

A "little" bit LATE, me thinks:rolleyes:

[cbbc]

I had already had all of my pathways inteviews before I even had my 'medical' and so the next interview I am due at is the work focused interview at the same ATOS office. This is because I won my appeal.

Has anyone got any advice as to what the out come of this interview is likely to be?

Edited June 13, 2010 by cbbc
ammended

[delilah27]

Hi furnitman,

 

Very first time on a thread. Did you know that you can claim jobseekers allowance even though you are not fit for work? You just tell them you are etc, and it does not go against in your tribunaral when you appeal. I only know this as I had very bad post natal depression and ptsd as part of a difficult birth,and underlying medical condition bought on by my pregnancy. I attended my assesment and got a big fat 0! So I googled which is my best friend and came across certain sites and learnt this. Unfortunatley I cant remember which for you to visit. I only had a few weeks contributions left anyway so I didnt as Im not entitled to income based. I didnt fight as I dont have the will to fight like I used to. I was very "gobby". But I hope you fight all the way dont give up.

[furnitman2003]

I had already had all of my pathways inteviews before I even had my 'medical' and so the next interview I am due at is the work focused interview at the same ATOS office. This is because I won my appeal.

Has anyone got any advice as to what the out come of this interview is likely to be?

 

Hi cbbc,

I may be mistaken, but I think the work focused interview you are having at Atos is going to be the "work focused health related assessment", the same as the recent one I had, following my overturned decision.

The outcome of which I've had no official notification of yet, but at the interview I was told, I would be left alone, and not need to attend any more interviews for the time being.

[cbbc]

Thanks fo the info furnitman. I will see what I can find out.

[furnitman2003]

Update.

I've recently had my RBLI 'Pathways to Work Interview.

I must admit I was not looking forward to it, in fact I went there with a very defensive attitude, and jumped down her throat, when she asked if I new why I was there, and sounded off about Atos. after that I did calm down a bit, and we had quite an interesting chat, I explained that it is my intention to return to work at some point, as I dont want to be at the mercy of the DWP longer than I have too, it just wont be yet, or be able to do the type of work I used to.

She then said, its not their intention to get me staight back out to work, but instead, to help in whatever way they can to find work that I would be able to do.

This first interview was basicaly information gathering and checking, (like they dont have enough already, lol)

 

It was'nt as bad as I thought it would be, I am, however, cautious, and will not take what they say as fact.

[furnitman2003]

Had my second RBLI, WFI interview yesterday, what a complete waste of time that was, (good job its only just down the road from where I live).

They just asked a couple of questions, checked a one page questionnaire, asked if I'd read the booklet I was given at the last interview, and then was very patronizing, and treated me like an idiot.

I was in there for about ten minutes, if that. I came out feeling the lowest of the low, humiliated and ashamed, I was made to feel I needed their help, I don't.

 

Despite my history of anxiety and depression, and with the help and support of my family and understanding employers, I have worked most of my adult life, its due to 'the car accident', that I'm now in this position, I'm sure I'll get out of it when I'm physically recovered, what I don't need, like a lot of others, is all this hassle, my heart goes out to everybody suffering at the hands of this system.

I'm up for anything that needs to be done to stop this 'in-human' treatment.

 

Sorry, rant over.

[furnitman2003]

Hi All.

Here we go again. Just recieved a new "ESA50 Questionnaire" this morning.

However, thanks to everyone on this site and ones like it, I feel better armed to deal with it this time round, (in fact I'm quite looking forward to the challenge), I'm not sure if thats the right attitude to have about all this, but I feel its fight or go under.

My present physical and mental health issues make it harder, but I'll do whatever it takes.

Alan

[doktorjohn]

Yeah the pain is ongoing, there is no end result for most of us.

 

dj

[honeybee13]

Hello again furnitman. I think one of the things we've learned on the forum is that the ESA50 form should be filled in with the most detail possible. I hope I'm right, but my impression is that if there isn't much information on the form things are more likely to go wrong.

 

My best, HB

[furnitman2003]

Indeed, very detailed, and very! very!!!, carefully worded to avoid any misunderstanding, not forgetting photocopied for future checks.

Alan

[honeybee13]

Quite right, defo the way to go. Please keep us posted.

 

HB x

[furnitman2003]

Update. Re: RBLI, Pathways to work Interviews

 

Attended my RBLI interview this afternoon at 2pm, I was asked how things are going, I explained I'm still waiting for hospital appointment regarding my arm, and further doctors assessment of mental and physical condition/injuries.

She then said ok, this is your last session, if your still on ESA we will see you again in three years.

 

I then asked her what exactly was the point of all this, nothing has been achieved, its been a complete waste of time, she said the government are trying to get everybody off benefits, as there is not the money in the pot, there is always something people can do, I then said some people are just not physicaly or mentaly able to work, she then said well they are put in the support group.

 

I then argued that to be in the support group you have to be dead or dieing, Atos vary rarely assess people for the support group, they just assess as many as they can as fit for work, so they come off of benefits, she did agree that Atos were'nt very good, but then said their is always something people can do, there is no reason for anyone to be out of work.

 

She went on to say she has people on her books in wheelchairs who are doing some form of work, there is no excuse.

I was begining to loose it at this point, so I then said we will have to agree to disagree, but as I see it the government don't give a damn, just so long as they save money.

I was standing up by now and thought what the hell, I showed her a picture of the mangled wreck that was once our car, and said I considered myself lucky to be pulled out alive, so I'll return to work when I'm able and not when the government tell me to. all she said was she sees alot of pictures like that, I was fuming and just turned and walked out, saying on the way "see you in three years". ( probably be less, if Atos have anything to do with it ).

[doktorjohn]

I spoke to a lady from the Dorset Mental Health Forum today and she is deeply concerned about all the people with mental health problems that are being scored a zero.

 

It makes them a lot worse.

 

dj

[doktorjohn]

I should say "us" a lot worse, not "them" because I've got mental health problems.

 

dj

[Kicking-Us-Off-ESA]

Update. Re: RBLI, Pathways to work Interviews

 

Attended my RBLI interview this afternoon at 2pm, I was asked how things are going, I explained I'm still waiting for hospital appointment regarding my arm, and further doctors assessment of mental and physical condition/injuries.

She then said ok, this is your last session, if your still on ESA we will see you again in three years.

 

I then asked her what exactly was the point of all this, nothing has been achieved, its been a complete waste of time, she said the government are trying to get everybody off benefits, as there is not the money in the pot, there is always something people can do, I then said some people are just not physicaly or mentaly able to work, she then said well they are put in the support group.

 

I then argued that to be in the support group you have to be dead or dieing, Atos vary rarely assess people for the support group, they just assess as many as they can as fit for work, so they come off of benefits, she did agree that Atos were'nt very good, but then said their is always something people can do, there is no reason for anyone to be out of work.

She went on to say she has people on her books in wheelchairs who are doing some form of work, there is no excuse.

I was begining to loose it at this point, so I then said we will have to agree to disagree, but as I see it the government don't give a damn, just so long as they save money.

I was standing up by now and thought what the hell, I showed her a picture of the mangled wreck that was once our car, and said I considered myself lucky to be pulled out alive, so I'll return to work when I'm able and not when the government tell me to. all she said was she sees alot of pictures like that, I was fuming and just turned and walked out, saying on the way "see you in three years". ( probably be less, if Atos have anything to do with it ).

 

Hi furnitman2003

 

What a way to go she seems as if she could be one of goverments back benchers,

Keep on fighting.

:jaw:Or work for ATOS...........

[furnitman2003]

I've nearly compleated the ESA50 form almost ready to send it off,

and in as much detail as possible, I've also included some 'other Information', along with the following:-

 

..........

As regards my mental health condition, this has not improved since the accident, and has been made even worse of late due to the stress I have had to endure at the hands of Atos / DWP.

I wish to point out at this stage, I am not at all confident in Atos Healthcare being in a position to give an accurate account of my condition ( both physical and mental ). my previous 'medical' assessment back in March proved beyond doubt the 'so-called' Healthcare Proffesionals in-abilility to give an accurate assessment of my condition.

 

My GP and my Medical Records are conclusive proof of my condition. therefore any statements contradicting my GP and my medical records made by Atos and / or The DWP, ( and in particular the Decision Maker ). will be lies, and as such subject to legal dispute AND further action.

 

In addition to the declaration overleaf, I assure that not only is the information given in this form correct and complete, it is as detailed as I can possible make it. Feel free to check my medical records.

........

 

I'm aware as to who will get the form, lets hope they take notice.

Alan

[doktorjohn]

That is a good idea for everyone. I will certainly do it myself.

 

dj

[Bustard]

I agree .............that should be a good sticky ............- I think there's a blog called " Diary of a Benefit Scrounger " ....I think ? she used to be a high earning model .....she had to go to a probably deliberately horrible don't give ATOS " medical centre " and was told " You are lucky to still be on IB - if you've one eye , you use the other , one leg , one arm , only 5 fingers " etc , etc .

 

One ATOS Doctor admitted in the Guardian that he'd orders to fail 75 % , come hell or high water . If Clegg says 75 % are apparently fit for work , 75 % will be failed ....simple as .

 

I've dealt with them at work .....a dreadful , corrupt & amateurish firm .

 

On Planet DWP according to floor crossing Freud ....it's NHS GP's , Consultants etc that are corrupt as they 've " vested interests " and are too frightened of claims .....it's laughable as there's effectively 2 or 3 layers of beaurocracy ( state funded ) dealing with them ( ATOS ) and shocking horror stories .

 

At first at work with them , first we were told by a obviously senior manager trying to make out he was only operational middle .....er yeah right ! that we should stop all this talk about ATOS not being proper doctors . Some staff had too much negative stuff to say about the business and " something will be done about it " as it was bringing the company into disrepute.....they don't need any help from staff with that .

 

Then we were told by this Senior Manager ....if we went on strike , they would break our union and we wouldn't be able to pay for broadband out of giros to make trouble , and wouldn't be able to afford the Socialist Worker .....basically a form of bullying , i.e. " I am right , you are wrong , anyone who has been to a meeting or read " The Graniuad " is a raving communist " ....well of course !

 

Then we had another missive from this walking Recruiting Sargeant for our union - apparently your GP / Consultant is not qualified to say if you're unfit for work through accident injury or ill health ....only ATOS know that !! as they are occupational health and know your job : - ) ) , it was strange at the " ATOS Clinic " ( A spare empty office : - ) ) ) that I had to explain my job to them . Apparently I'd a sitting down job .....I'd have needed 10 + years service for that and to be a " favoured daughter / son " and the doctor ( who to be fair did a proper report on me .& was a decent bloke ..........only problem was .....my area rep wanted it copied and framed ! ....given all the horror stories .

 

He was genuinely surprised seeing people on crutches etc that were genuinely ill .....God only knows what rubbish he'd been fed with ? .

 

Then we'd the latest round of propaganda that the Nazis would have been proud of ......apparently all the complaints re ATOS were because people were not being told what they wanted to hear i.e. they were all professional skivvers / old soldiers ....sour grapes .

 

That first Senior " manager " mentioned was right ....they sacked this woman for innocious comments on a staff forum , the Union got her a top barrister .....by "coincidence" as soon as the papers had been " mysteriously " tipped off , the Business settled on the Industrial Tribunal steps .

Edited November 14, 2010 by Bustard

[doktorjohn]

Atosh are so stupidly blatant with their zero or 2 points. If they had half a brain they would award 8 points here and 5 points or whatever there.

 

At least it would look more feasible. But no, so blatantly stupid; let's hope it's their undoing.

 

- dj

[Bustard]

Orders from our Branch Secretary were to report them to the General Medical Council .....the firm felt they could get away with using ATOS to bully " malingerers " ( Our Industry had the most muscoskeletal injuries in the country ) back to work as they could afford the insurance .

 

We have had reps telling managers - " We will see you in court " re ATOS ....people poorly with cancer etc . The orders were " we will have some work out of you " , when questioned as exactly who might be standing in the dock be it the firm or ATOS Origin ....we were " being negative " ....in english that means " we are right and will broker no criticism " .

 

The Union puts in appeals through their legal officers and solicitors ....if justified the Union gets proper doctors / consultants with specialisation not " jobbing GP's jack of all trades and masters of none " according to our Branch Secretary or hacks , quacks and ex Army Doctors .....you know the scenario , a squaddie has flu so they make him stand outside for a hour in the rain and he ends up with pnuemonia waiting to see the MO .

 

Nowadays it's HCA's as not enough profit is made .

[medsec]

As you might have seen on another thread, I actually got an apology from Atos - well, they wrote to my MP when I got him involved, and said they'd done an "immediate investigation" to see why I had scored zero points. I still don't know where that leaves my appeal though.

 

However, before I got this letter, we got another one with an attachment that explained that the Atos doctors are "specially trained" and that "The Atos Healthcare Professional's examination is not to diagnose or discuss treatment of the customer's illness or disability. It is to assess how it affects the customer and their ability to work. Our aim is to look at what each customer is capable of, not what limitations they may have". Which is interesting, because the ESA form and the DLA form focus on what you CAN'T do.

 

Oh well........