Case Study 1: Deemed fit for work on the basis of being able to pick up a pen

Mr B is a 37-year-old man who was claiming Employment Support Allowance. He attended an Atos assessment, and on the basis of physical tests –the ability to pick a pen up off the ground or move a pint of milk across the table – was deemed fit for work.

It had been 15 months since any medical information had been sought about this man by the DWP. In the intervening period, he had been detained on a locked ward under the Mental Health Act with a new diagnosis of schizophrenia. In addition, he had complex drug problems which have since required long-term residential rehabilitation. When he attended the Atos assessment he was still seeing a psychiatric nurse frequently, was heavily medicated and was experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations. He thought he had special powers and believed he was the Son of God.

The Atos assessor considered him fit for work. All his benefits were stopped immediately. This is believed to have contributed to a significant worsening of his mental health. His GP says: “This was a very ill and vulnerable man with complex problems and the process he was put through and the adverse decision reached was potentially harmful and avoidable. I spoke to the benefit centre on 22 July to express my concern and wrote to them on 19 August. I never received a reply. I have never as a GP been asked for further information other than from a patient who is appealing an adverse decision.”