Why Labour must take a strong position against current ATOS Work Capability Assessments

Recently journalist Sonia Poulton wrote an open letter to Ed Miliband on the Mail Online titled 'Will Ed Miliband stand up for the disabled against distressing and unreliable work capability tests?' this was in light of two documentaries recently on Panorama and Dispatches both showing the shocking treatment the disabled face having to go through the Work Capability Assessments which are administered by ATOS.  The documentaries showed cases of individuals clearly incapable of work being found fit for work, with some even dying after going back to work.


The government blame Labour for bringing in this system, but that does not mean we have to stand by it.  The system is clearly not fit for purpose and at its worst inhumane. 

A search of the Labour website does not find one mention of ATOS or WCA.  By being silent we are condoning this practise.  I hope Ed and the Labour leadership takes note of the thousands of signatories to Sonia's letter calling for Labour to take a stand against this, otherwise what do we stand for?

At the end of the statement on my Labour membership card it states

"and where we live together, freely, in a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect."

If we do not come out against this system we are clearly not living up to the pledge we make and I will return membership card, as I will not be able to stand on doorsteps campaigning for a party which does not stand up for those who are unable to work in our society.

Find out more and watch the Dispatches programme at http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/episode-guide/series-117/episode-1


Find out more and watch the Panorama programme at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lldrc