ATOS, THE WORK CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT AND MENTAL HEATH

That this House notes that many ATOS contractors who carry out the work capability assessment (WCA) have extremely limited knowledge of mental health problems and rely on applicants with mental health conditions to explain in face to face interviews their inability to work; believes that this places people suffering from mental health conditions at a very substantial disadvantage; further notes that a recent court ruling has held that it is at least arguable that the Equality Act 2010 requires the reasonable adjustment of the process whereby there should be the early obtaining of independent medical evidence to avoid the distress and disadvantage currently experienced by those with mental health conditions in WCA interviews; and believes that the Government should instruct and where necessary legislate as soon as possible to require the obtaining of independent medical evidence at an early stage in the WCA, particularly in dealing with clients with mental health conditions.