SOCIAL Care Minister Chris Robertshaw has defended the engagement of Atos Healthcare to carry out fitness-to-work checks on incapacity claimants.
Atos has hit the headlines both here and in the UK over criticism about the methods it uses to determine whether an individual is capable of returning to work.
But Mr Robertshaw said he had been ‘extremely impressed’ by the professionalism of the Atos Healthcare doctors who are conducting the face to face assessments for his department as part of a six-month trial that began in July.
He said: ‘We are now three quarters of the way through the pilot exercise.
‘Of those invited to undertake an assessment 31 per cent signed-off incapacity benefit prior to any assessment being undertaken.
‘The outcomes following face to face assessments to date are proportionately very similar to those in the UK, with 54 per cent of those assessed being found capable of doing some form of work and 46 per cent being found incapable of work.
‘Fifty claimants have received a formal decision that they have been found capable of work and not one of them has appealed against that decision.
‘I think that is clear evidence that claimants are generally satisfied with the personal capability assessment process.’
Although no one has appealed, seven claimants have so far asked for a review of the decision. In six of these cases, the original decision was upheld but in one case it was revised and the claimant found incapable of work.
Mr Robertshaw added: ‘Leaving a person on long-term incapacity benefits without examining whether they might be capable of doing some form of work would be wholly irresponsible of this government.
‘It would have adverse consequences both for the person claiming benefit and their families, as well as for the economy of the Isle of Man.’
Tynwald members will get a presentation about the assessments on Wednesday.
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