The good news and the bad news... - Lung Conditions C...

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The good news and the bad news...

11 years ago•19 Replies

First the good - "Atos may lose fit-for-work tests contract as ministers line up rival firms"

Then the bad - "Private providers likely to be in the frame for the next contract include G4S, Serco, A4E and Capita Group.

theguardian.com/society/201...

Written by

notlocal

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19 Replies

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nannyb11 years ago

Evening notlocal, Atos were a nightmare, capita wont let you talk to anyone, still waiting for pip from last summer. I don't think we will get anyone that is on our side. Thank you for the link anyway Nannyb x

notlocal• in reply tonannyb11 years ago

One thing I hate about having copd is that I can no longer use the expression "I'm not holding my breath"...

11 years ago

Like the banner "David Cameron you can shove your inhumane & unjust policies and your jumpers where the sun does not shine"

notlocal• in reply to11 years ago

When I was scrolling down to see the whole picture I half expected them to go the shorter version.

• in reply tonotlocal11 years ago

Yeh could have missed out about the jumpers and got a shorter version

Toci11 years ago

Will it make any difference?

notlocal• in reply toToci11 years ago

My reply to nannyb above "One thing I hate about having copd is that I can no longer use the expression "I'm not holding my breath" - I suppose that's a no.

katieoxo6011 years ago

So there seems to be some good news in respect of the fit for work medicals, however only those who have to take the tests will be able to tell us if the changes are for the better. Speaking from past experience I would say wait and see many government changes do not turn out to be for the better or cheaper either sad to say and after many years my perception of all the changes is NO CHANGE the system still comes across as inconsiderate to those who have to use it's services regularly.

notlocal• in reply tokatieoxo6011 years ago

I'm one of the ones who will have to take the test at some stage. I have a huge resistance to doing anything concerning beaurocracy, form filling etc (surprisingly I have a good success record once I take the plunge)..So i pay close attention to this stuff. Do I apply now or wait and hope that the next lot are 'better' ?

• in reply tonotlocal11 years ago

ATOS are the messengers (bad ones ) do the same things expecting new results dont think so. Solidarity in not holding breath

katieoxo60• in reply tonotlocal11 years ago

Good luck to you remember to apply at the earliest date, by the time your claim goes to medical assessment the new assessors may be doing it anyway. Don't envy your task been there more than once myself and for my late husband, plus appeals. Was always found fit for work with limited capacity I think is how they put it these days.

helingmic• in reply tonotlocal11 years ago

I found from the past, notlocal that if you fail in your application, you must appeal. if it fails again, appeal again! Eventually you'll get there. I used to work for the Citizen's Advice Bureau. They had governmental papers on how to circumvent wrong decisions. If you need help, use them!

notlocal• in reply tohelingmic11 years ago

Thanks helingmic. The time will come...

onamission11 years ago

I'm sure capita are employed by Atos but I know g4s have taken over the prison service they take the prisoners from prison to court they have also lost prisoners in the past so God help us

notlocal• in reply toonamission11 years ago

Aye. All these companies on multi million government contracts and registered offshore, paying minimal tax and not even providing an effective service. Dark days..

undine11 years ago

One wonders which politicians will suddenly appear on the boards of these 'companies' when they retire or get retired from politics? or am I just being cynical?

notlocal• in reply toundine11 years ago

Hah! It's really got to something when this isn't seen as cynical any more, just 'business as usual'. I also see in the Guardian that Jeremy Hunt is a possible next leader of the Conservative party. Back to bed and pull the duvet up!

silicosis4811 years ago

can anyone give advice on ATOS carrying out medical examination for SILICOSIS contracted from 30 years as a stonemason. Silicosis48

notlocal• in reply tosilicosis4811 years ago

I'm afraid I can't S48 because I haven't been through it due to a fear of beaurocracy, so I still claim JSA. Hopefully someone will respond or there may be another forum.

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