Menu
22/07/2013
Audit Finds Faults In Fitness-For-Work Programme
French-run firm Atos healthcare, which carries out fitness-for-work tests on disabled people, has been told it needs to improve its service, following a government audit.
The audit found an "unacceptable reduction" in the quality of its written reports, with some 400 reports highlighting that the company has been told it needs a retraining and re-evaluation of staff, among other recommended measures.
The company is responsible for gauging eligibility for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Incapacity Benefit.
It employs around 1,400 doctors, nurses and physiotherapists and carried out one million face-to-face interviews last year.
However, the company's assessors have been accused of making mistakes, with people being ruled fit for work when they are not, and many have had their claim for ESA turned down.
(MH/JP)
The audit found an "unacceptable reduction" in the quality of its written reports, with some 400 reports highlighting that the company has been told it needs a retraining and re-evaluation of staff, among other recommended measures.
The company is responsible for gauging eligibility for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Incapacity Benefit.
It employs around 1,400 doctors, nurses and physiotherapists and carried out one million face-to-face interviews last year.
However, the company's assessors have been accused of making mistakes, with people being ruled fit for work when they are not, and many have had their claim for ESA turned down.
(MH/JP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 June 2015
Ministers Must Be 'Better Informed' On Police Cuts - NAO
The Home Office needs to be "better informed" on how to reduce police force funding in England and Wales, according to a recent report. The National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed funding decreased by £2.3 billion (25%) to police and crime commissioners between 2010-11 and 2015-16.
Ministers Must Be 'Better Informed' On Police Cuts - NAO
The Home Office needs to be "better informed" on how to reduce police force funding in England and Wales, according to a recent report. The National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed funding decreased by £2.3 billion (25%) to police and crime commissioners between 2010-11 and 2015-16.
30 October 2014
Schools Are Underperforming - NAO
Schools are underperforming despite £382 million being invested every year, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). The NAO found that the Department for Education and others, such as the Education Funding Agency and local authorities, have not tackled underperformance consistently.
Schools Are Underperforming - NAO
Schools are underperforming despite £382 million being invested every year, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). The NAO found that the Department for Education and others, such as the Education Funding Agency and local authorities, have not tackled underperformance consistently.
13 March 2015
Staff At North Wales Bus Company Find Company Ceases Overnight
Employees of Western Greyhound in Cornwall have arrived at work this morning to find the company has ceased trading. According to a report by the BBC, around 40 staff arrived for work on Friday morning and found the depot closed.
Staff At North Wales Bus Company Find Company Ceases Overnight
Employees of Western Greyhound in Cornwall have arrived at work this morning to find the company has ceased trading. According to a report by the BBC, around 40 staff arrived for work on Friday morning and found the depot closed.
11 June 2014
National Audit Office: 'Army Cut Plans Brings Risks'
The National Audit Office (NAO) has warned of "significant risks" posed by government plans to scale back the UK's regular Army and increase reservists, saying the decision was taken without "appropriate testing of feasibility".
National Audit Office: 'Army Cut Plans Brings Risks'
The National Audit Office (NAO) has warned of "significant risks" posed by government plans to scale back the UK's regular Army and increase reservists, saying the decision was taken without "appropriate testing of feasibility".
28 November 2013
NAO Critical Of Student Loan Recovery System
The National Audit Office (NAO) has criticised the government for not doing enough to recover student loans. According to the NAO the outstanding loan debt stands at £46 billion and is predicted to rise to £200bn over the next 30 years.
NAO Critical Of Student Loan Recovery System
The National Audit Office (NAO) has criticised the government for not doing enough to recover student loans. According to the NAO the outstanding loan debt stands at £46 billion and is predicted to rise to £200bn over the next 30 years.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:This evening will be dry. The rest of the night will remain dry with variable amounts of cloud and some clear periods. Light southwesterly winds. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
