SNP: AtoS system “set up by the Labour Party and continued by the Conservatives and Liberals, does not work for the sick and disabled people of Scotland”

Linda Fabiani MSP for East Kilbride and Welfare Reform Committee member has supported calls from SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, Kevin Stewart, for the UK government’s discredited Work Capability Assessments, administered by ATOS, to be scrapped and replaced by a model that works for disabled people

Linda said:

“My colleague Kevin Stewart MSP led in a debate in Parliament following concerns from constituents, criticisms from organisations representing disabled people and by medical professionals on the suitability and effectiveness of the current Work Capability Assessment process.

“Through my own experiences of supporting constituents through the process and as a member of the Welform Reform Committee, I am aware of the distress these assessments cause those who are sick and vulnerable.

“The research proves that the system, which can be frightening and daunting for claimants, is flawed.

“Even the British Medical Association has called on MSPs to support Mr Stewart’s motion, stating its concerns about the impact that UK welfare reform legislation will have on the people of Scotland.

“This system set up by the Labour Party and continued by the Conservatives and Liberals, does not work for the sick and disabled people of Scotland.

“The UK Government will not devolve welfare to the Scottish Parliament, therefore they only way to properly protect people from this abhorrent treatment is through independence.”

ENDS

NOTES – The motion which will be debated is:

S4M-04043 ? Kevin Stewart () (Scottish National Party):

That the Parliament understands that there are ever-increasing concerns in Aberdeen and across Scotland regarding the work capability assessments for Employment and Support Allowance  that are being carried out by Atos; notes the reported fears of stakeholder organisations and individuals that similar concerns will be reproduced with assessments for Personal Independence Payments, and understands that members are receiving significant casework from constituents regarding negative experiences of work capability assessments.

Linda Fabiani