Backbench Business — Atos Work Capability Assessments

Part of Business of the House – in the House of Commons at 12:43 pm on 17 January 2013.

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Photo of Annette Brooke Annette Brooke Liberal Democrat, Mid Dorset and North Poole 12:43, 17 January 2013

I rise to make just a few comments, particularly on fluctuating conditions. I have received many representations from people with mental health conditions, as have other Members. Some of the individual cases and stories that sometimes come from mothers with adult daughters about what has happened during the assessment process have been absolutely heartbreaking.

Let me read out a few comments from one of my constituents, who says:

“I do not believe that the WCA is working for people with mental health problems. Too many people are found fit for work when they are not, and are becoming trapped in a distressing and expensive cycle of appeals and reassessments. Too much of the decision making is inaccurate and too often the WCA and related processes worsen people’s mental health.”