I welcome the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s decision to investigate “fit for work” testing (Investigation to begin into DWP’s treatment of sick and disabled people on benefits, May 22). After retiring in 2002 from a career in hospital medicine, I spent the next ten years as a part-time medical researcher for the Department for Work and Pensions through a private contractor. I did not find it easy to determine whether someone was disabled and therefore eligible for benefits.
During a 40-minute interview, I asked the person about their ability to perform routine tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, cooking, and shopping. The physical examination tested mobility, hearing and vision. The scoring system was strict, and quite a few of my reports citing significant disability were returned by the chief medical officer, who did not accept my decision. The assessment of significant mental health problems was even more difficult and subjective. Often I have decided that the person was suitable for work based on DWP criteria, but privately I wouldn’t dream of employing them myself.
The EHRC investigation will undoubtedly reveal many injustices, but will it also come up with suggestions for improving ‘fit for work’ testing?
Dr. Giles Youngs
Drinkstone, Suffolk
Being disabled myself, I read the EHRC study with some relief. It comes next whistles are blown about the horrors of the current system (which I have witnessed) and the DWP’s own statistics that put the lie behind the moves to “combating fraud”. And of course, not so long after the overall benefit levels were criticized by a UN expert.
Given the inquiry, perhaps the Tories should now put all their pension reform plans, their fraud schemes and bringing forward universal credit migration on hold until after the inquiry (and the general election).
Ian Henderson
Rockland St Mary, Norfolk