Abuse hell for benefit check staff

Atos workers ditch branded uniforms after attacks.

Staff at fit-to-work firm Atos have been warned to stop wearing uniforms following a string of attacks and abuse.

The controversial firm, which carries out disability assessments for the Department for Work and Pensions, has sparked debate over its assessment regime.

Now it has emerged beleaguered administrative staff have fallen victim to vitriolic verbal abuse and intimidation as the backlash intensifies.

It’s become so bad they have been forced to remove the Atos branding from uniforms and bags to stop them being targeted as they travel to work.

In Edinburgh one horrified worker was sent excrement in the post, while union bosses claim the abuse is worst in Glasgow.

The news comes just weeks after a Government audit found nearly half the Atos judgements reviewed were not up to scratch.

Alan Brown, of Public and Commercial Services Union which represents 800 Atos staff, said: “They have been asked to take branding off bags.

“There has been excrement sent through the post in Edinburgh and people being abused.

“The workers, our members, do not make these decisions and we are campaigning against the cutbacks in welfare benefits.

“They are targeting the wrong people.”

Mr Brown revealed a monthly picket outside the firm’s Glasgow base is putting a huge strain on beleaguered staff.

He said: “One of the areas targeted most is Glasgow.

“We have met with demonstrators outside and handed out PCS material. It is difficult for members of staff in a private company to join in.”

And it has emerged many are risking their safety for as little as £7.45 an hour and staff are considering industrial action.

He added: “They’re not very well paid either.

“Last year we had a lot of members brought up to the living wage as part of a successful campaign. Members have also just rejected a two per cent pay increase from management.

“We are looking at future talks and there is potential for action as a result of the pay dispute.

“There is a lot of discontent.”

Glasgow South MP Tom Harris described the attacks as “absolutely shocking”.

He said: “It is unacceptable to treat anybody in that way.

“It doesn’t matter whether people agree politically with the work they’re doing, they deserve respect and have the right not to be bullied and abused.

“It is not acceptable and it is not ever justified.”

An Atos Healthcare spokesperson said: “All our staff do a challenging job with professionalism and compassion.

“While we understand some people may find the Work Capability Assessment process difficult, no one should be subjected to abusive behaviour while carrying out their job.

“We go to great lengths to look after our staff.

“We monitor the workplace to ensure a safe and secure working environment including regular risk assessments and enhancements to onsite security provision.

“On the occasions when incidents do occur we take all the necessary action, which includes reporting the matter to the police, where appropriate.

“All staff have full access to the Employment Assistance Programme which provides a confidential free-phone helpline and face-to-face counselling and we advise our staff on managing both physical and online abuse when necessary.”

Atos Healthcare is responsible for testing 11,000 benefit claimants a week to determine whether they are entitled to receive state handouts.

The Paris-based firm receives around £100m a year to carry out medical tests with approved doctors. These include testing how far individuals can walk, how long they can sit and whether they can bend and touch their knees.

They also have to show whether they can hold a pen or pencil and do up a button.

Those who can do basic physical tasks are tested for their communication skills and whether they can cope with change. Doctors then decide whether claimants are entitled to claim the Employment Support Allowance or are fit enough to work.

Since 2008 Atos has carried out 1.5 million assessments but a recent Government audit of 400 tests found nearly half were of a poor standard. There have been 600,000 appeals against Atos decisions at a cost of £60m.