Glasgow Against ATOS protests and meetings information

Action, All Posts, Atos, Benefits, Welfare reforms No Responses »

Oct 152012

Here is a report of the meeting we had in the Piper bar. It went well and we will hold a pre action meeting on Wednesday 24 October currently booked in the Piper Bar.

https://nocutsfullstop.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/glasgow-against-atos-campaign-launch.html

Details of meeting

Glasgow Against Atos Pre Action Meeting

Wednesday 24 October,

7.30-9.30pm

Piper Bar,

Cochrane Street,

George Square

A protest is planned to take place on Friday 26 October in Glasgo. The meeting on 24 October will discuss ideas for this protest. If you are unable to make it to the meeting please contact the ‘Glasgow against atos’ facebook page,glasgow_frfi@yahoo.co.uk or 07734348065 to find out the protest details. Unfortunately the Piper Bar does not have disabled access. We are currently looking for alternative meeting venues in Glasgow city centre which are affordable and have disabled access. If you know of any venues please contact us on the details above. If we do not post details of a new venue the meeting will go ahead in the Piper Bar.

October 16th Portsmouth, ATOS protest

Action, All Posts, Atos, Events, Welfare reforms 3 Responses »

Oct 102012

dpacportsmouth@hotmail.com
	Rally Against ATOS, 16th October Winfoeld House Portsmouth
	The past few weeks have seen yet more attacks on benefits and disabled people across the country, with George Osbourne’s speech spelling out yet more disgusting cuts to the benefit system, fines for people who make mistakes on benefit forms, proposals to restrict benefits for people who have more children whilst on benefits, cutting benefits for those who appeal ATOS decisions and preventing anyone under 25 from claiming housing benefit regardless of circumstance. ATOS the company contracted to reduce the numbers of people on disability benefits has repeatedly shown that they have no understanding of disabilities and no interest in what impact their decisions really have on peoples lives. ATOS has caused stress, strain and death among disabled people in our society and show no sign of stopping.The death of Colin Traynor after ATOS assessed him wrongly as fit to work was yet another tragic show of what ATOS and the current government really care about and it is not human life.Disabled People Against Cuts Portsmouth has called a rally against ATOS, We call for the WCA and recent Welfare Reform Acts to be scrapped, the DWP’s contracts with ATOS to end immediately, and the introduction of a more humane and compassionate welfare system We will not sit back and accept the attack, we will fight back. Help us to prevent more death and destruction of disabled people lives, Join us and Rally against ATOS!

October 11th and 12th -protests in Leeds and Sheffield

Action, All Posts, Atos, Events, Welfare reforms No Responses »

Oct 102012

It’s all happening in Yorkshire this week

2 important opportunities to make your voices heard

Coop and ATOS
There is an opportunity to protest about the Coop using ATOS this Thursday, 11th Oct.Leeds Coop members are meeting at 6.45pm in the city centre. Please pass this along to any DPAC and other supporters. For more details contact John 07724149217

Sometimes, ‘sorry’ isn’t enough Nick…

This Friday, 12 October, Clegg will be taking part in a live radio broadcast audience at The Crucible theatre in Sheffield city centre.

Many people feel that a stage managed event like that is just one more chance for Clegg to get away with his lies and his apology for making a promise. That’s why, at 11.30 am on 12 October, people who really want to hold Clegg to account for his savage attacks on our welfare state, the privatisation of our NHS, his hike in tuition fees and against his savage assaults on disabled people will be giving him a special welcome to his ‘home’ city.

Let’s make him feel the heat of that welcome at The Crucible…

If you’re on Facebook, just click on the links above or below to let them know you’re joining them…

https://www.facebook.com/ukuncut.sheffield#!/events/327395234025911/?notif_t=plan_user_invited

Accessible venue in Glasgow needed and meeting dates

Action, All Posts, Atos, Events 2 Responses »

Sep 302012

In Glasgow there is a monthly picket of ATOS offices and we’ve been asked to advertise the next one plus a meeting date. At the moment we don’t think the meeting venue is accessible so if anyone knows of anywhere that could be used for free or very cheaply please let us know at mail@dpac.uk.net

Glasgow Against ATOS upcoming events

End the war on welfare! Picket ATOS!

Friday 26 October & 30 November, 2 – 4pm

Protest outside the ATOS office,

Glasgow Corunna House,

Cadogan Street, Glasgow,

G2 7BN

Bring banners, whistles, placards and chants.

Spread the word!

Glasgow Against ATOS launch meeting

Wednesday 10 October, 7.30 – 9.30pm

Upstairs in the Piper Bar,

George Square, Glasgow

Share and discuss ideas for protest against ATOS.

UKDPC on the ‘Fulfilling Potential Disability Strategy’ and what DPAC says…..

All Posts, Atos, Disability Rights, Independent Living, Politics, Social Model, Welfare reforms 4 Responses »

Sep 252012

The United Kingdom Disabled Peoples Council Response to the Fulfilling Potential Disability Strategy issued by the DWP.
The United Kingdom Disabled Peoples Council (UKDPC) initially had welcomed the long awaited publication of the Government Disability Strategy, Fulfilling Potential.

This important document would have guided the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and been a public declaration of intent to support disabled people to exercise full participation in every aspect of society.

UKDPC was surprised and disappointed to find that the action plan, Fulfilling Potential Next Steps, has set out the intention of creating a Disability Action Alliance, convened by Disability Rights UK, (DRUK). This alliance is apparently intended to be a partnership of ‘organisations from the voluntary, public and private sector who have expertise and influence’.

UKDPC is unable to support this action based on the following:

The contracting of DRUK to convene such a group was not obviously opened to expressions of interest or tendering by any other organisation. Alongside the appointment of the CEO to lead an employment review commissioned by Lord Freud without public tender, this places DRUK in a position of preferred supplier to the ODI.
The continued contracting of DRUK by the ODI and the convening of an unaccountable group could be construed as the creation of a Quango, which is against the principals of co-partnership and accountability.
This is a ‘top down’ structure that excludes disabled people from setting the agenda or defining the terms of reference. The creation of this alliance by the government is antagonistic to the principals of the CRPD which advocates the value of consulting and full involvement of disabled people.
Without clear terms of reference there is the possibility that the service providers or corporate employers represented would have a potential conflict of interest, eg if participating in government backed schemes such as Workfare or if being awarded contracts determined by changes in the benefits system.
The use of the name, Disability Action Alliance, gives rise to potential confusion with Disability Awareness in Action, a human rights based disabled peoples organisation that closed last year, with a well earned respect not just within the sector but also internationally.
As UKDPC considers the convening of the alliance as a flawed process then it follows that the function of such a group would similarly be flawed.
UKDPC wishes to state these concerns publically, and calls for:

The process of contracting DRUK as the convenors be questioned and an open response be sought from government.
The potential for forming a Quango be questioned and an open response from government.
Any proposed alliance be guided by disabled people with agreed terms of reference drawn up by the participants.
Any further move to implement this alliance be suspended pending the questioning and satisfactory response to these concerns.

DPAC says….

We’d also like to add some further concerns as the inclusion of corporate partners and private for profit partners is not something DPAC endorses due to the activities of ATOS, UNUM and CAPITA being involved in actions through government partnerships and contracts that have clearly led to devastating outcomes for many disabled people. These outcomes have impacted on the core principles of independent living, dignity, respect and equality for disabled people throughout theUK.

We also feel that involving those who will profit from their exploitation of disabled people is against the intentions of the UNCRPD and the involvement of disabled people in self-determination of their lives and may lead to a conflict of interests with DRUK’s ability to carry out their functions.

End Benefit Sanctions, Work Capability Assessments, and Welfare Reform

All Posts, Atos, Welfare reforms 15 Responses »

Sep 222012

When George Osborne was booed at the Paralympics it was the clearest expression yet of the anger building up against the Tory / Liberal coalition’s welfare reforms, and their treatment of disabled people and those who are ill.

The death of cancer patient Cecilia Burns on 27 August and her treatment by the benefits system managed by the Department for Work and Pensions and in part the private company ATOS Healthcare illustrates the nightmare situation anyone can find themselves in if they become disabled or fall ill.

While undergoing treatment for breast cancer, Cecilia approached the state for help. She was subjected to the new Work Capability Assessment (WCA) system that was introduced in October 2008 alongside Employment and Support Allowance. This resulted from New Labour’s long-term policy of reducing the numbers on incapacity benefits by one million.

The WCA, which is administered by ATOS, usually lasts about 15 minutes and uses a points system that looks at how a person is able to function physically, intellectually and socially. This assessment is so flawed that at their conference in May 2012, representatives of Britain’s 44,000 General Practitioners voted to campaign to end it.

Like hundreds of thousands of others, Cecilia was badly let down and told despite her ongoing treatment she was ‘fit to work’. Her benefits were reduced by about £30 a week. At a time when Cecilia should have been allowed to concentrate on her health and be free of pressure, she had to appeal this decision. Her appeal was successful and she had her benefits restored a few weeks before her death.

Cecilia said herself:

I was treated badly. I’ve been working since I was 17, I’ve paid all my stamps, all my National Insurance. The only time I was ever sick was when I was pregnant with my two sons. It has had a financial effect on me but it’s more (that) they’re getting away with it. They are just treating you like a second class citizen. That’s how I feel – that I don’t count, I don’t matter.”

What Cecilia Burns went through could easily be experienced by your mum, dad, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, son, daughter, partner or you.

Even those disabled and ill people who are assessed as being unfit for work are facing the prospect of fines of £71 a week if they fail to take part in work-related activities such as training or ‘condition management programmes’.

At present about 70,000 claimants lose some or all of their benefits every month when they are sanctioned. The WCA is resulting in people being found fit to work who very few employers would ever consider giving a job to. People with moderate and mild learning disabilities, long-term and enduring mental health problems, and other complex conditions find it difficult to understand or complete the tasks demanded by the jobseekers benefit system. They face losing benefits for months for failing to do enough to find work they’ll never get.

Disabled people have had enough and are fighting back. Disabled People Against Cuts organised 21 protests against ATOS on 28 August, and several other high profile protests in London during the Paralympics.

ATOS has made hundreds of millions from running the Work Capability Assessment for the DWP, and is now about to heap more misery as they reassess millions of disabled people for the new Personal Independence Payments. We call for the WCA and recent Welfare Reform Acts to be scrapped, the DWP’s contracts with ATOS to end immediately, and the introduction of a more humane and compassionate welfare system.

One person’s nightmare……

I became disabled when I was hit by a car during my first year at University. The collision put me in a critical condition with multiple injuries including a severe brain injury. I survived the accident but was left with permanent disabilities as well as suffering from epilepsy.

I had wanted to study Law and become a Solicitor, but my disabilities have made that impossible. In fact my disabilities, combined with the psychological trauma I suffered, have meant that I haven’t worked since my accident.

Until recently I was claiming two benefits, Disability Living Allowance as well as Incapacity Benefit. My benefits didn’t amount to much but at least they allowed me to lead some kind of life. Earlier this year that all changed when ATOS called me in for a Work Capability Test.

I was so angry when I first received the letter from ATOS. After attending a Work Capability Test I was passed fit to work by ATOS and had all my benefits stopped. ATOS made their decision based on a 15 minute interview. They never contacted any of the medical professionals treating me; they never even researched my case history.

Now I face a lengthy and stressful appeals process against ATOS. I’m being treated for depression and at times have experienced suicidal thoughts. ATOS never seemed to care what affect their ruling would have on my health or on the health of those around me.

A DPAC North East member

Claim stopped 20th August told at Tribunal to ‘go straight home’

All Posts, Atos, Welfare reforms 51 Responses »

Sep 212012

An email to DPAC yesterday

I failed in my attempt to overturn the appeal decision against me at tribunal. I was not even allowed into the tribunal to state my case. Upon arrival at the tribunal site a receptionist took my name then informed me that I didn’t need to be there and I could go straight home. Two days later a letter arrived saying I had lost. I think the decision had already been made.

This morning (20th Sept) I found my ESA claim had been stopped on August 20th, they didn’t write and tell me, I only found out when I tried to pay my bills. I now have to start a new claim, possibly attend another WCA.

Basically I think I am just going to have to go through the whole cycle again. My only option was to apply for a crisis loan. When I listed my expenses for the next two weeks it came to just over two hundred pounds at a bare minimum, they could not include prescription costs. They suggested I commit fraud by ticking the box saying that I receive ESA when they’ve stopped it. I have no other choice as, out of my anticipated expenditure for the next fortnight, they will loan me £42.

Having read of disabled people losing claims I didn’t think I would be in the same boat as my doctor gave me a new sicknote for three months on 13/9/2012 and I have followed their procedure to the letter. My new sicknote counts for nothing. I can’t describe how pissed off that today’s rigramole has got me and I have no idea what I will do for money. Feel free to use my example for your campaign, perhaps if other claimants are forewarned that they’re gonna lose whatever they do or whatever evidence they provide and they can lie and cheat to get what they should be rightfully entitled to. I’m sorry to tell you my woes, I hope my example can be used in a positive manner for people going through this farce.

DPAC wants to send thanks for allowing us to post this on the web site. The British Library began archiving the DPAC site from 2011 so know that all on this site will stand as an historical testament of this governments actions towards disabled people and what they are doing to the lives of millions-we will not give up fighting!

DPAC facebook group is an area where people can support each other through their experiences and offer info and advice

https://www.facebook.com/groups/DPAC2011/

Dave King: Down with the Paralympics! Down with Channel-4-liberalism!

All Posts, Atos, Social Model 11 Responses »

Sep 082012

No, really, I mean it. If I am forced to swallow one more dose of Paralympics hype syrup, I will throw up. With the Olympics, the shock and awe blast of nationalist triumphalist machismo was at least familiar – this is just the capitalist-spectacle-as-usual. But with the Paralympics we have seen the addition into this cocktail of a supremely powerful and toxic ingredient, the opportunity for liberals to feel good about themselves for supporting the underdog and ‘progress in the fight against prejudice’. It is this thick coating of syrup which has confused even radical disability rights advocates, and is making it almost impossible for critics to speak out, except about the blatantly obvious outrage of Atos as sponsors. But the truth is that, despite all the hopeful talk about how the Paralympics are going to revolutionise people’s ideas about disability, the ideas and values at the core of the Paralympics are the precise opposite of the values of disability liberation. (I write this as a disabled person, one who has undergone one of Atos’ medical assessments and been found wanting, and who is suffering financially as a consequence.)

But wait a minute, I hear you say, isn’t that a bit extreme, surely all the visibility and celebration of disabled people’s bodies is a good thing, at least it’s a step in the right direction? Sorry, I’m afraid not. It’s not just that the current epiphany of non-disabled people is shallow (how many of those enthusiastic millions will be attending the protests against Atos?). What is actually going on with the Paralympics is an intensification of the values that drive the oppression of disabled people. And there is actually no contradiction at all between Atos as administrators of assessments that rob disabled people of their benefits and Atos as sponsors of the Paralympics.

First, lets clear away some obvious dead wood. There is nothing useful to disabled people in being seen as inspirational for their heroic overcoming of their impairment rather than as pathetic disgusting objects of charity. As some have already pointed out, since the vast majority of disabled people will never become Paralympians, all this does is to set up again the traditional distinction between the deserving and undeserving poor. Equally obviously, this is the quintessential liberal narrative of the heroic individual, filled with (in the words of Tory Prime Minister David Cameron) ‘steely determination to succeed’. It has nothing whatsoever to do with a collective struggle for disabled people’s rights or the values of disability liberation. I don’t remember a wave of national euphoria about collective achievements of the disability rights movement.

Only slightly less obvious is that the deluge of what has now been dubbed ‘inspiration pornography’ is not about us: it’s composed largely of non-disabled people’s self-congratulation that they have overcome their bad feelings about disabled people and relief that they are no longer being asked to feel sorry for these poor creatures. The inspirational narrative makes them feel much better. The medical model again But the heart of the issue is this: this change of narrative is just the flip-side of the same coin, the medical model of disability, the rejection of which, in favour of a social model, has been the theoretical foundation of disability liberation for the last 30 years. While the medical model says that disability is caused by impairment, the social model insists that people are dis-abled by society that refuses to accommodate their needs (for a decent income, accessible transport, buildings etc). Medical model thinking is always focused on our individual impairments, and how we can overcome them.

In the past, the non-disabled people’s predominant feeling about this was despair and pity, expressed by wanting to help through charity; all that’s changed is that now they’re excited that it seems that impairments can be overcome after all. Can they not do better than go from one end to the other of this stupid construct? I am neither a hero nor a victim, just an ordinary person, as we all are. At the heart of the medical model is a value judgement that seems to be such a matter of common sense that it does not need examining; low functionality – bad, high functionality – good, and this is what is being celebrated at the Paralympics, (and, of course, in competitive sport in general). Here we are seeing the flip side of the medical model, a triumphalist ‘we can fix it with technology’ narrative that, in the age of high technology and biomedicine, has superseded the old designation of disabled people as ‘incurables’. Technocracy

The point is that the Paralympics don’t just reflect the familiar capitalist values of competitive sport, they also represent something just as deep and significant, the values of technology. The concept of functionality/performance/efficiency is one of the concepts that come from machines and engineering that have been the ruling concept of capitalist technocracy for the last 400 years. In economic theory, it is efficiency that leads to success in the marketplace. The medical model of disability springs directly from technocratic thinking. In capitalist technocracy, what matters is not ‘arbitrary’ or theoretical ideas (like religions or humanist principles) lacking a firm evidence base, but utility, ie. what works, what can be palpably felt and cashed out. ‘Facts! Give me facts, not fancies,’ declares Dickens’ Mr Gradgrind (Hard Times).

Thus Atos’ medical assessments are not about what illness/impairment you have, rather they are (supposedly) scientific assessments of the functionality of your body, what tasks it can and cannot do. It is perfectly logical within this technocratic way of thinking that people with terminal cancer can nonetheless be fit to work. This ruthlessly scientific way of thinking is, naturally, being implemented in the government’s planned Personal Independence Payments, replacing the Disability Living Allowance system that ‘arbitrarily’ accepts people with certain conditions as eligible for benefit payments.

In a world in which functionality rules, Atos as sponsors of the Paralympics makes perfect sense. And all the ‘radical’ talk of integrating the Olympics with the Paralympics, since the performance of Paralympians is approaching that of Olympians, is just another manifestation of technocratic thinking: in a world ruled by a linear scale of performance such ‘arbitrary’ distinctions are a form of discrimination, aren’t they? It is always the ironing out of ‘arbitrary’ anomalous barriers that is defined within liberal technocracy as progress. ‘Superhumans’?

ATOS Games reports in 5 French national media

Action, All Posts, Atos 5 Responses »

Sep 062012

https://www.bastamag.net/article2608.html
https://www.courrierinternational.com/article/2012/09/04/la-vitrine-doree-d-une-politique-honteuse-envers-les-handicapes

https://www.silicon.fr/atos-sponsor-controverse-jeux-londres-78002.html

https://www.arretsurimages.net/vite.php?id=14396&utm_source=ajeanfr&utm_medium=twitter&utm_term=ajeanfr
https://www.rue89.com/2012/09/06/paralympiques-atos-un-sponsor-juge-trop-severe-avec-les-salaries-handicapes-235136

Cornwall DPAC Atos protest Friday 31 August

Action, Atos 1 Response »

Sep 042012

Cornwall DPAC Atos protest 57 Pydar Street, Truro at 12.30pm Friday 31 August. photos copyright Richard Lumb, more photos here

This gallery contains 0 photos

Collected ATOS News Articles

All Posts, Atos, Benefits, Disability Rights, DLA, Independent Living, Resources, Welfare reforms 2 Responses »

Sep 022012

This list is work in progress; there are many more articles to add……

With thanks to @Blacktriangle1 @WelfareUnion @Dis_PPL_Protest who provided the links to many of these articles.

DPAC thanks to Bob Ellard see https://llxs.blogspot.co.uk/ for more great stuff

Publishing this list does not represent acceptance of the content of any articles in the list by DPAC.

Articles from September 2012

Socialist Worker ~ 09 ~ 2012 ~ ‘ATOS forced me to crawl on floor in tears’ ~ https://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=29452
Socialist Worker ~ 09 ~ 2012 ~ ‘Seven medals but now Tories want my benefits’ ~ https://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=29451
Irish Times ~ 09 ~ 2012 ~ Death of cancer patient who went public over benefit cuts ~ https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0901/1224323462479.html
Socialist Worker ~ 09 ~ 2012 ~ Hundreds protest outside ATOS headquarters then blockade DWP ~ https://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=29461
Independent ~ 09 ~ 2012 ~ Paralympics stars urged to denounce ATOS ~ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/paralympics-stars-urged-to-denounce-atos-8100016.html
Google News ~ 09 ~ 2012 ~ Protest over ‘fit for work’ tests ~ https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jFfy_GCYe5Mgv-_IUyNpsbZqkxlA?docId=B15689781346426077A00000
RT News ~ 09 ~ 2012 ~ Sponsorship scandal mars Paralympics ~ https://rt.com/sport/people-atos-work-disabled-126/
Morning Star ~ 09 ~ 2012 ~ What game is ATOS playing? ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/122971

Articles from August 2012

Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ ‘Is this country worth dying for?’ ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/123285

This is Hull and East Riding ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ ‘Responsibility to treat disabled people fairly’ ~ https://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Responsibility-treat-disabled-people-fairly/story-16780701-detail/story.html
Sourcing Focus ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ “Disability activists prepare to protest against ATOS” ~ https://www.sourcingfocus.com/index.php/site/newsitem/6144/ Washington Post ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Activist Patrick Lynch sobs during a protest next to ATOS’s London headquarters ~ https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2012-paralympic-games-begin-in-london/2012/08/29/e759c3a6-f201-11e1-adc6-87dfa8eff430_gallery.html#photo=14
Washington Post ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ As Paralympics start, Britain’s disabled decry cuts ~ https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/as-paralympics-start-britains-disabled-decry-cuts/2012/08/25/124b4756-ee10-11e1-b624-99dee49d8d67_story.html
Computer Weekly ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ ATOS and Capita win £540m in controversial DWP disabilities testing contract ~ https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240160775/Atos-and-Capita-win-540m-in-controversial-DWP-disabilities-testing-contract
Times of News ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ ATOS benefit appeal woman dies ~ https://timesofnews.co/2012/08/31/atos-benefit-appeal-woman-dies
Guardian ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ ATOS doctors could be struck off ~ https://gu.com/p/3x7jd/tw
Computer Weekly ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ ATOS employees to be investigated over Facebook remarks about disability benefit applicants ~ https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240105368/Atos-employees-to-be-investigated-over-Facebook-remarks-about-disability-benefit-applicants
The Daily Shame ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ ATOS parasites, sorry, employees have fun on Facebook ~ https://www.dailyshame.co.uk/2012/08/satire/atos-parasites-sorry-employees-have-fun-on-facebook/
BBC News London ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Atos protest: Disability rights groups target firm ~ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-19437785
Guardian ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ ATOS protests climax with ‘day of action’ against Paralympics sponsor ~ https://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/aug/31/atos-protest-paralympics-sponsor
Press TV ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ ATOS protests climax with ‘day of action’ against Paralympics sponsors‎ ~ https://www.presstv.ir/detail/2012/08/31/259221/atos-protests-paralympics-sponsors/
Mirror ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ ATOS protests: “Grand finale” to a week of action against ‘fit for work’ testing firm ~ https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/atos-protests-grand-finale-to-a-week-1293518
Blottr ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ ATOS: Public criticism gains momentum after inspirational Paralympics Opening Ceremony ~ https://www.blottr.com/breaking-news/atos-public-criticism-gains-momentum-after-inspirational-paralympics-opening-ceremony
Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Beggaring the nation ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/122744
BBC News Northern Ireland ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Benefits appeal woman Cecilia Burns from Strabane has died ~ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19433535
Rocket News ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Benefits cut appeal woman dies ~ https://www.rocketnews.com/2012/08/benefits-cut-appeal-woman-dies/
This is Hull and East Riding ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Benefits protest at Hull branch of ATOS over Paralympic Games ‘hypocrisy’ ~ https://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Benefits-protest-Hull-branch-Atos-Paralympic/story-16780711-detail/story.html
Guardian ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ British Paralympic team deny ‘anti-ATOS protest’ ~ https://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/aug/30/paralympics-gb-atos-protest
Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Callousness beyond belief ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/layout/set/print/…/122249
Huffington Post ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Cecilia Burns Dead: Benefits Campaigner, Who Appealed Against ‘Fit To Work’ Report By ATOS, Dies ~ https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/08/31/cecilia-burns-benefits-atos-fit-to-work-cancer-northern-ireland_n_1846314.html
Guardian ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Celebrate Paralympians, but remember they needed state help to get there ~ https://gu.com/p/3axvb/tw
Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Coalition told it must punish ATOS for mess ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/122842
Guardian ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Cuts to disability services threaten our Paralympian future – Sue Marsh ~ https://gu.com/p/3a3cy/tw
Computer Weekly ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Disability activists hijack Paralympics for ATOS protest ~ https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240162193/Disability-activists-hijack-Paralympics-for-Atos-protest
Sourcing Focus ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Disability activists prepare to protest against ATOS ~ https://www.sourcingfocus.com/site/newsitem/disability_activists_prepare_to_protest_against_atos/
Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Disability campaigners are set to descend on Paralympic sponsor ATOS yet again tomorrow ~ https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/123345
BBC News London ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Disability protests at benefits contractor ATOS HQ ~ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-19437785#
Channel 4 News ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Disability rights protesters invade government building ~ https://www.channel4.com/news/disability-rights-protestors-lobby-paralympic-sponsors-hq
This is South Wales ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Disabled groups in sponsor protest ~ https://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Disabled-groups-sponsor-protest/story-16781328-detail/story.html
Guardian ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Disabled people protest against ATOS role in Paralympics ~ https://www.guardian.co.uk/society/video/2012/aug/31/disabled-protest-atos-paralympics-video
Womens Views on News ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Disabled people slam ‘hypocrisy’ of Paralympics sponsor ~ https://www.womensviewsonnews.org/2012/08/disabled-people-slam-hypocrisy-of-paralympics-sponsor/
Metro ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Disabled rights campaigners protest at ATOS and DWP ~ https://www.metro.co.uk/news/910348-disabled-rights-campaigners-protest-at-atos-and-dwp#ixzz25D1fzhhN
Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Disabled storm DWP in daring anti-ATOS raid ~ https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/123345
This is Derbyshire ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Fury at Paralympic ‘hypocrisy’ of private firm ATOS behind fit-to-work tests ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Fury-Paralympic-hypocrisy-private-firm-Atos-fit/story-16781044-detail/story.html
Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Home carer calls for hypocrite Cameron to be prosecuted ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/122682
Independent ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Hundreds protest against Paralympics sponsor ATOS as anger about its role in slashing benefits bill intensifies ~ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hundreds-protest-against-paralympics-sponsor-atos-as-anger-about-its-role-in-slashing-benefits-bill-intensifies-8092512.html
New Statesman ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Is benefit-bashing the next Osborne gamble to go wrong? ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/politics/2012/08/benefit-bashing-next-osborne-gamble-go-wrong
New Statesman ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Labour must lead the way in restoring politics after its abuse by elites ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/188064/
Independent ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Leading article: These Games are about ability and inspiration ~ https://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-these-games-are-about-ability-and-inspiration-8084634.html
Guardian ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Letter: Paralympic paradox ~ https://gu.com/p/3a4xj/tw
BBC News Kent ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Maidstone CAB ‘wins 95% of work test benefit appeals’ ~ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-19436358
BBC News UK ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Minister for Disabled People: ‘We need to get changes right’ ~ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19419243
Sourcing Focus ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ National Audit Office criticises ATOS ‘under-performance’ ~ https://www.sourcingfocus.com/site/newsitem/national_audit_office_criticises_atos_under-performance/
Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ New disability test will ’cause suicides’ ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/layout/view/full/122317
Computer Weekly ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Paralympic protests against ATOS reaches Whitehall ~ https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240162538/Paralympic-protests-against-Atos-reaches-Whitehall
Independent ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Paralympic sponsor ATOS engulfed by disability tests row ~ https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/paralympics/paralympic-sponsor-engulfed-by-disability-tests-row-8084799.html
Brand Channel ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Paralympic Sponsor ATOS Getting Grief From Athletes ~ https://www.brandchannel.com/home/post.aspx?id=e179ece3-4a27-4936-8c21-d0dacf1dd9a7
Londonist ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Paralympic Sponsor ATOS Provokes Protests ~ https://londonist.com/2012/08/paralympic-sponsor-atos-provokes-protests.php
Guardian ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Paralympics 2012: crossing London can be an obstacle course for disabled fans ~ https://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2012/aug/31/paralympics-2012-disabled-travel?CMP=twt_gu
Tech Week Europe ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Paralympics Sponsor ATOS Hits Back At Disability Protesters ~ https://www.techweekeurope.co.uk/news/paralympics-atos-disability-protest-benefits-90709
Socialist Party Magazine ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Paralympics, ATOS scandal, Remploy closures… Con-Dems win gold for hypocrisy! ~ https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/15093
Huffington Post ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Paralympics: Government Accused Of ‘Hypocrisy’ Towards Disabled People ~ https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/08/29/atos-paralympic-sponsors-under-fire-disabled-attitude_n_1838614.html?ref=topbar
New Statesman ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Perhaps Iain Duncan Smith will accuse me of peeing on the data ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/economics/economics/2012/08/perhaps-iain-duncan-smith-will-accuse-me-peeing-data?page=3
Guardian ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Phil Disley on ATOS‘s involvement with the Paralympics – cartoon ~ https://gu.com/p/3a5xx/tw
This is Derbyshire ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Pressure mounts against firm over assessments for sickness support ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Pressure-mounts-firm-assessments-sickness-support/story-16732273-detail/story.html
ITV News Wales ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Protest in Cardiff over tests for incapacity benefit ~ https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2012-08-29/protest-in-cardiff-over-tests-for-incapacity-benefit/
Yahoo! News ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Protest over ‘fit for work’ tests ~ https://uk.news.yahoo.com/protest-over-fit-tests-153541825.html?ugccmtnav=v1%2Fcomments%2Fcontext%2F9dfabedf-b407-3eb5-9188-941d329dea3c%2Fcomments%3Fcount%3D20%26sortBy%3DhighestRated%26isNext%3Dtrue%26offset%3D20%26pageNumber%3D1
Metro ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Protesters show anger at Paralympic sponsor over disability benefit work ~ https://www.metro.co.uk/olympics/910105-protesters-show-anger-at-paralympic-sponsor-over-disability-benefit-work?ITO=socialnet-twitter-button
Blottr ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Protesters stage ‘die-in’ against ATOS sponsorship of Paralympics ~ https://www.blottr.com/breaking-news/protesters-stage-die-against-atos-sponsorship-paralympics
Huffington Post ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Scuffles At Atos Paralympics Protest As Police And Disability Campaigners Clash (VIDEO) (PICTURES) ~ https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/08/31/atos-paralympics-protest-uk-uncut-disability-_n_1846633.html
Sheffield Telegraph ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Sheffield’s disabled join Paralympic protest ~ https://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/local/sheffield-s-disabled-join-paralympic-protest-1-4873379#.UD-mQYBDVYY.twitter
BBC News UK ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Sickness benefit contractor ATOS Healthcare to review letters ~ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19370200
Independent ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ The lasting legacy of the Paralympics should be to see disabled people as equal ~ https://ind.pn/NC2ewG
Mail ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ The Paralympics celebrate the strength of disabled people – and so do all the protests that accompany them ~ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2195885/The-Paralympics-celebrate-strength-disabled-people–protests-accompany-them.html#ixzz259Ao8YTb
Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Tycoonery ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/122651
Telegraph ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Video: Disability rights protesters clash with police outside Department for Work and Pensions ~ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/9512523/Disability-rights-protesters-clash-with-police-outside-Department-for-Work-and-Pensions.html
BBC News UK ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Watchdog finds ‘weaknesses’ in sickness benefit system ~ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19244639
Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2012 ~ Where the real greed lies ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/content/view/full/122290

July 2012

Computer Weekly ~ 07 ~ 2012 ~ ATOS profits grow 2% in first half of 2012 to €102m ~ https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240160348/Atos-profits-grow-2-in-first-half-of-2012-to-102m
Guardian ~ 07 ~ 2012 ~ Benefits assessment firm causing ‘fear and loathing’ among claimants, says MP ~ https://gu.com/p/3vn6j/tw
Telegraph ~ 07 ~ 2012 ~ Disability tests ‘sending sick and disabled back to work’ ~ https://soc.li/gCxerBI
Morning Star ~ 07 ~ 2012 ~ Disabled means-test to be challenged at High Court ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/121944
Guardian ~ 07 ~ 2012 ~ Fitness-for-work tests hit by technical chaos ~ https://gu.com/p/3974x/tw
This is Derbyshire ~ 07 ~ 2012 ~ Hundreds in Derbyshire win victory in sickness benefits battle ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Hundreds-Derbyshire-win-victory-sickness-benefits/story-16337459-detail/story.html
Sourcing Focus ~ 07 ~ 2012 ~ Olympic sponsor ATOS faces summer strikes ~ https://www.sourcingfocus.com/site/newsitem/olympic_sponsor_atos_faces_summer_strikes/
This is Derbyshire ~ 07 ~ 2012 ~ Review into flawed benefits system assessment praised ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Review-flawed-benefits-assessment-praised/story-16602404-detail/story.html
New Statesman ~ 07 ~ 2012 ~ Welfare reform suicides must not be overlooked ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/187216/
New Statesman ~ 07 ~ 2012 ~ Withdrawing benefits when there are no jobs to find is just cruel ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/187543/
New Statesman ~ 07 ~ 2012 ~ Work capability assessments: the fightback ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/staggers/2012/07/work-capability-assessments-fightback

June 2012

This is Derbyshire ~ 06 ~ 2012 ~ ‘The whole system needs sorting out’ says patient after benefit claim saga ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Whitehall-departments-told-save-cash/story-15900034-detail/story.html
Camden New Journal ~ 06 ~ 2012 ~ FORUM: ‘Don’t play games with lives – disabled people won’t be silenced during the Olympics’ ~ https://www.camdennewjournal.com/forum-dont-play-games-lives-disabled-people-wont-be-silenced-during-olympics
New Statesman ~ 06 ~ 2012 ~ How many more disabled people will die … ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/186565/…
New Statesman ~ 06 ~ 2012 ~ Human cost of welfare reform ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/38773/
Morning Star ~ 06 ~ 2012 ~ MP reveals fight against depression ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/120230
Morning Star ~ 06 ~ 2012 ~ Tory brushes off suicide warning ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/120518

May 2012

New Statesman ~ 05 ~ 2012 ~ 500,000 could lose their disability benefits ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/185655/
This is Derbyshire ~ 05 ~ 2012 ~ Council’s cuts will have devastating impact on homeless, warns group ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Council-s-cuts-devastating-impact-homeless-warns/story-16236934-detail/story.html
Computer Weekly ~ 05 ~ 2012 ~ Department for Work and Pensions spent £24m with ATOS in 2011 ~ https://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240149963/DWP-spent-24m-with-Atos-last-year
Morning Star ~ 05 ~ 2012 ~ Living at the sharp end ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/layout/view/full/119588
Morning Star ~ 05 ~ 2012 ~ Media is fuelling hate against disabled benefit claimants ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/119655
Morning Star ~ 05 ~ 2012 ~ Paralympians join calls to stop cuts ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/119279

April 2012

Morning Star ~ 04 ~ 2012 ~ Disabled activists target Olympics
~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/117813
This is Derbyshire ~ 04 ~ 2012 ~ Half of those on incapacity in Derbyshire are deemed ‘fit for work’ ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Half-incapacity-Derbyshire-deemed-fit-work/story-15874524-detail/story.html
New Statesman ~ 04 ~ 2012 ~ Raising the pension age will just turn 69-year-olds … ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/184902/…

March 2012

New Statesman ~ 03 ~ 2012 ~ Cameron’s desperate offer to voters: nastiness in the national interest ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/uk-politics/2012/03/work-party-benefits-cameron?page=2
Belfast Telegraph ~ 03 ~ 2012 ~ Cancer sufferer furious at being told she’s fit to work ~ https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/cancer-sufferer-furious-at-being-told-shes-fit-to-work-16135094.html
This is Derbyshire ~ 03 ~ 2012 ~ Parkinson’s patient faces having his benefit halved ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Parkinson-s-patient-faces-having-benefit-halved/story-15599461-detail/story.html
This is Derbyshire ~ 03 ~ 2012 ~ Robin Mitchell who sufferes from Parkinson’s faces fit-to-work test ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Family-s-anger-Parkinson-s-sufferer-faces-fit/story-15557891-detail/story.html
BBC News Northern Ireland ~ 03 ~ 2012 ~ Strabane cancer woman’s fury at benefit cut ~ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17480630
Telegraph ~ 03 ~ 2012 ~ Twice as many judges needed to handle benefits appeals ~ https://soc.li/MIRGOTB

February 2012

Morning Star ~ 02 ~ 2012 ~ ATOS protesters brave bitter chill to picket firm’s HQ ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/content/view/full/115001
BBC News UK ~ 02 ~ 2012 ~ Ministers admit to sickness benefits backlog ~ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16937742
New Statesman ~ 02 ~ 2012 ~ The revolt against workfare spreads ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2012/02/scheme-greggs-grayling

January 2012

Independent ~ 01 ~ 2012 ~ The big questions: Should ATOS be sponsoring the Paralympics? ~ https://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/the-big-questions-should-atos-be-sponsoring-the-paralympics-is-a-wealth-tax-a-good-idea-8099839.html
Morning Star ~ 01 ~ 2012 ~ Trespass charges dropped ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/114186
New Statesman ~ 01 ~ 2012 ~ Why British journalists are taught to be dishonest ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/182282/

2011

Morning Star ~ 12 ~ 2011 ~ ‘Victorian picnic’ picket hits ATOS ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/113242
BBC News Scotland ~ 11 ~ 2011 ~ Disabled ‘suicidal’ over Welfare Reform Bill ~ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-15839685
Morning Star ~ 10 ~ 2011 ~ Hardest hit fight back against cuts
~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/111068
New Statesman ~ 10 ~ 2011 ~ How Osborne could squeeze benefits again ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/10/benefits-inflation-osborne
New Statesman ~ 10 ~ 2011 ~ Let’s help Dave get his facts straight ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-blanchflower/2011/10/sector-employment-yesterday
This is Hull and East Riding ~ 09 ~ 2011 ~ Bridlington soldier Aron Shelton, who lost leg in Afghanistan bomb blast, wins benefits battle ~ ttp://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Soldier-lost-leg-Afghanistan-wins-benefits-battle/story-13382683-detail/story.html
Morning Star ~ 09 ~ 2011 ~ CarerWatch forum up after ATOS libel threat ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/108925
Morning Star ~ 09 ~ 2011 ~ Claimants on streets over ATOS national protests ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/110193
This is Hull and East Riding ~ 09 ~ 2011 ~ Heartache of Bridlington soldier Aron Shelton, who lost leg in Afghanistan bomb blast, only to face benefits battle ~ https://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Heartache-soldier-lost-leg-bomb-blast-face/story-13387697-detail/story.html
Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2011 ~ Activist sings the benefit blues
~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/108556
Sourcing Focus ~ 08 ~ 2011 ~ ATOS Healthcare Employees Investigated ~ https://www.sourcingfocus.com/site/newsitem/atos_healthcare_employees_investigated/
Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2011 ~ Care firm silences its critics ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/108578
Morning Star ~ 08 ~ 2011 ~ Firm to negotiate over closure of disabled forum ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/108656
This is Derbyshire ~ 08 ~ 2011 ~ Why is Government using private firm for checks? ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Government-using-private-firm-checks/story-13083568-detail/story.html
Guardian ~ 07 ~ 2011 ~ A contract to terrify 1.5m people on incapacity benefit ~ https://gu.com/p/3vnqh/tw
Guardian ~ 07 ~ 2011 ~ Disability benefit reform: is the government hiding behind ATOS errors? ~ https://gu.com/p/3vyf9/tw
Camden New Journal ~ 07 ~ 2011 ~ Disabled protest over ‘fit for work’ tests at ATOS in Holloway ~ https://www.camdennewjournal.com/news/2011/jul/disabled-protest-over-%E2%80%98fit-work%E2%80%99-tests-atos-holloway
Camden New Journal ~ 07 ~ 2011 ~ Ex-soldier who served in Afghanistan and Iraq is refused benefits under assessment system ~ https://www.camdennewjournal.com/news/2011/jun/ex-soldier-who-served-afghanistan-and-iraq-refused-benefits-under-assessment-system
New Statesman ~ 06 ~ 2011 ~ Archbishop of Canterbury: “no one voted” for the coalition’s policies ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/06/rowan-williams-government?page=1
New Statesman ~ 06 ~ 2011 ~ Dignity in life, dignity in death ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/39049/
New Statesman ~ 06 ~ 2011 ~ How Labour got welfare wrong – and how it can put it right ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/06/welfare-system-labour-work
New Statesman ~ 06 ~ 2011 ~ The government needs to know how afraid people are ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/uk-politics/2011/06/long-term-government-democracy
New Statesman ~ 06 ~ 2011 ~ The poorest deserve a change from our broken benefits system ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/uk-politics/2011/06/benefits-system-work-support
Morning Star ~ 05 ~ 2011 ~ Disabled activists claim new testing system ignores advice of medical ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/104424
Channel 4 News ~ 05 ~ 2011 ~ Disabled people protest against cuts ~ https://www.channel4.com/news/disabled-people-protest-against-cuts
Camden New Journal ~ 05 ~ 2011 ~ MP Emily Thornberry intervenes to win benefits for ex-housing worker put through ‘humiliating’ assessment ~ https://www.camdennewjournal.com/news/2011/may/mp-emily-thornberry-intervenes-win-benefits-ex-housing-worker-put-through-%E2%80%98humiliating
Camden New Journal ~ 04 ~ 2011 ~ ATOS Healthcare’s fit-to-work testing ‘demeans’ disabled ~ https://www.camdennewjournal.com/news/2011/apr/atos-healthcares-fit-work-testing-%E2%80%98demeans%E2%80%99-disabled
Camden New Journal ~ 04 ~ 2011 ~ Claimants lose out ~ https://www.camdennewjournal.com/letters/2011/apr/claimants-lose-out
New Statesman ~ 04 ~ 2011 ~ The shame is all theirs ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/37583/
New Statesman ~ 04 ~ 2011 ~ The war on welfare scroungers, part 94 ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/37647/
This is Derbyshire ~ 02 ~ 2011 ~ PROTESTERS who gathered outside a city job centre to demonstrate against cuts in benefits have vowed to help people when they are made redundant. ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Protesters-benefit-cuts-nul-points/story-11603004-detail/story.html
New Statesman ~ 02 ~ 2011 ~ Tory welfare reforms are misguided ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/02/universal-credit-work-welfare
BBC News UK ~ 01 ~ 2011 ~ Campaigners warn over incapacity benefit changes ~ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13611298
New Statesman ~ 01 ~ 2011 ~ Tales from the front line: public-sector workers speak out ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/01/workers-speak-books-fears

2010

Sourcing Focus ~ 11 ~ 2010 ~ ATOS Origin’s healthcare division awarded £300 million contract extension ~ https://www.sourcingfocus.com/site/newsitem/atos_origins_healthcare_division_awarded_300_million_contract_extension/
New Statesman ~ 11 ~ 2010 ~ James Purnell: I could have been Iain Duncan Smith ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2010/11/universal-credit-purnell-brown
New Statesman ~ 10 ~ 2010 ~ 500,000 people could lose sick pay ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/2010/10/work-payments-benefit
New Statesman ~ 10 ~ 2010 ~ ATOS is “black and white” on fitness and disability ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/182441
This is Hull and East Riding ~ 10 ~ 2010 ~ East Riding councillors have backed injured ex-soldier Aron Shelton’s fight to keep his disability benefit. ~ https://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/East-Riding-councillors-unite-ex-soldier-s-fight-benefits/story-11976200-detail/story.html
New Statesman ~ 10 ~ 2010 ~ Judged fit to work? You could lose your benefits if you appeal ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/10/work-fit-appeal-ruling
Morning Star ~ 10 ~ 2010 ~ On the shoulders of the vulnerable ~ www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/97072
New Statesman ~ 10 ~ 2010 ~ The war on welfare scroungers, part 77 ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/179503/
New Statesman ~ 09 ~ 2010 ~ The cuts will destroy lives ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/177838/
New Statesman ~ 08 ~ 2010 ~ Cameron’s war on benefit fraud: the unanswered questions ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2010/08/40bn-lost-savings-avoidance
New Statesman ~ 08 ~ 2010 ~ Reducing the number on sickness benefits must be fair ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2010/08/work-benefits-number-system
New Statesman ~ 06 ~ 2010 ~ Pre-Budget briefings: huge cuts to welfare ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/public-accounts/2010/06/160-support-cameron-huge
New Statesman ~ 06 ~ 2010 ~ The mass unemployment Budget ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/174659/
This is Derbyshire ~ 05 ~ 2010 ~ Medical details sent in error ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Medical-details-sent-error/story-11628552-detail/story.html
This is Hull and East Riding ~ 05 ~ 2010 ~ Mum of Hull soldier killed on frontline praises resigning officer for taking a stand ~ https://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Mum-Hull-soldier-killed-frontline-praises-resigning-officer-taking-stand/story-11955497-detail/story.html
New Statesman ~ 05 ~ 2010 ~ The truth about those cuts . . . ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/172995/
New Statesman ~ 01 ~ 2010 ~ The battle against benefit cuts and “poverty pimps” ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/node/36138/

Pre-2010

This is Derbyshire ~ 11 ~ 2008 ~ Centre approved ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Centre-approved/story-11596774-detail/story.html
This is Derbyshire ~ 10 ~ 2008 ~ Medics to move in at restaurant? ~ https://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Medics-restaurant/story-11612528-detail/story.html
New Statesman ~ 05 ~ 2008 ~ Is Labour abolishing illness? ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2008/05/work-benefit-claimants-reform?page=1
New Statesman ~ 11 ~ 2007 ~ Labour and the sick note ~ https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2007/11/work-benefit-welfare-tories

Most recent articles to be added:

Further articles to be added:

News Round up : Friday 31st August The Closing Atos Ceremony

Atos, media, News 4 Responses »

Sep 012012

from livestreams of the day with Bambuser

https://vimeo.com/48640242

The Closing ATOS ceremony DPAC UKUNCUT from Small Axe Films on Vimeo.

Disability protesters clash with police
Report by Sam Datta-Paulin (ITN video)

Atos protest: Disability rights groups target firm BBC News London (video)

Channel 5 news: Atos Closing Ceremony

Disabled people against cuts and UK Uncut protest Friday 31 August London

Action, Atos No Responses »

Sep 012012

Reposted from Kate Belgrave with thanks

Protestors clash with police at the department for work and pensions.

Have a lot of video to upload from today – here’s the start.

This protest was called by UK Uncut and Disabled People Against Cuts as the closing ceremony to the Atos Games week – five days of events and demonstrations against Atos’ involvement in the fiasco that is work capability assessments for people on employment and support allowance.

These first videos were taken inside the protest outside the Department for Work and Pensions in the afternoon. It’s shaky, because I was pushed over a few times, but it rights itself here and there. There were fiery scenes, all right, and the police were pretty free with their hands:

More pushing from the police:

The protest began in Triton Square at Atos headquarters, then moved across town to the DWP’s Wesminster offices after a couple of hours. That’s where things began to kick off. There were hundreds of people present and things got pretty unpleasant. The lack of mainstream reporting of this protest seems extraordinary – as someone who was in the middle of it all day, I can tell you that it was well-attended and pretty full-on.

Outside the DWP, DPAC’s Adam Lotun tells protestors that people have entered the building with a list of demands for Maria Miller. He also announces his candidacy for the upcoming Corby byelection. That should be interesting – particularly for Labour:

This video is from earlier in the day outside Atos’ headquarters where people started yelling at police, security and a guy in a red tie who refused to answer questions about the company’s WCA record:

Friday 31st August The Closing Atos Ceremony

Action, All Posts, Atos, Benefits, disability hate crime, Disability Rights, Independent Living, News, Welfare reforms 1 Response »

Aug 302012

Friday 31st August
Atos HQ,Triton Square, London
12:45pm
Don’t let Atos be a winner at the Paralympic Games – join us for The Closing Atos Ceremony, the grand finale to Disabled People Against Cuts’ week of Atos Games.
Atos are sponsoring the Paralympics, whilst wrecking disabled people’s lives. George Osborne has vowed to slash £18 billion from the welfare budget, regardless of peoples’ needs and ignoring the alternatives. To help them do their dirty work, the Government are paying Atos £100 million a year to ‘test’ sick and disabled people and decide whether they’re ‘fit for work’.
But Atos’ Work Capability Assessments are driving disabled people to suicide and over 1,000 people have died of their illnesses soon after being found ‘fit for work’.
The Government claim that the welfare system is being abused- this just isn’t true. Less than 0.4% of Incapacity benefit payments are fraudulent, but the government want to cut welfare spending by 20%. And instead of helping to get people into work; the government are closing workplaces for disabled people.
The Government and Atos don’t give a toss about disabled people. This is about making ordinary people pay for a crisis caused by the bankers. It’s about making disabled people pay, instead of super-rich tax dodgers who cost us over £25billion every year. This is an ideological attack on the welfare state; these cuts are a political choice. But we’re fighting back.

On Friday 31 August, UK Uncut and DPAC will be shutting down Atos’ London HQ for the Closing ATOS Ceremony. Meet in Triton Square at 12:45pm for direct action and creative protest, with plenty of surprises…
The nearest fully accessible underground station is Kings Cross. From there, catch Bus 30 towards Marble Arch or Bus 205 towards Paddington from stop R or A, and get off at Warren Street, bus stop V. BSL Interpretted event.

This action needs you! Join for the afternoon, or come on your lunch break. There will be lots of ways to take part – hand out leaflets hold banners, or get involved in creative and daring ways. If you’re not in London, check the DPAC website for details and other ways to get involved in The Atos Games.

Atos are making millions of pounds enforcing the government’s unnecessary cuts. It’s up to all of us to fight back, defend our welfare system, and demand the alternatives. Let’s show them that we do give a toss.

See you at Atos HQ!

_______________________________________________________________

Atos Phone Blockade Contact Numbers

Action, Atos 3 Responses »

Aug 302012

Atos Healthcare Clinician contact details

Edinburgh MSC Argyle House 3 Lady Lawson Street Edinburgh EH3 9SH 0131 222 5055

Manchester MSC Albert Bridge House (East) Bridge Street Manchester M60 9DA 0121 335 0720

Birmingham MSC Five Ways House Islington Row Edgbaston Birmingham B15 1SL 0121 626 2941

Glasgow MSC Corunna House 29 Cadogan Street Glasgow G2 7RD 0141 249 3616

Bootle MSC St Martins House Stanley Precinct Bootle Merseyside L69 8BN 0151 934 6070

Nottingham MSC Summit House Nottingham Business Park Nottingham NG8 6PX 0115 975 8362

Newcastle MSC Arden House Regent Centre Gosforth Newcastle NE3 3JN 01264 837 789

Leeds MSC Government Buildings Otley Road Lawnswood Leeds LS16 5PU 0113 230 9068

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Remembering Those Who’ve Died at the Hands of Atos ‘Healthcare’

Action, Atos 5 Responses »

Aug 292012

Reposted with kind permission from The Void

A well attended and genuinely moving memorial service was held today outside the front doors of Paralympic sponsor Atos to coincide with the opening day of the London Paralympic Games.

Atos carry out the Government’s Work Capability Assessment, a crude computer health test designed to strip disabled people of benefits by declaring them ‘fit for work’.

Disabled people and those with serious health conditions have been subject to endless grueling assessments by the company and an increasing number of people have tragically taken their own lives as a result of the process. Many others have had conditions worsened due to the stress of testing regime whilst a recent investigation found that 32 people a week die after being found ‘fit for work by the company’.

Around 100 disabled people and supporters gathered outside Atos’ gleaming London Headquarters to attend the service. A coffin, resplendent with white lilies to remember the dead, was carried to the front door of the company alongside funereal music. Messages sent from disabled people around the UK were released attached to black balloons whilst a minutes silence was held during which even the heavy security presence guarding the company appeared to respect.

The day was part of a week of action against the company which has seen protests outside Atos offices around the UK. Visit the DPAC website for reports of other events held so far. Campaigners will be back at Atos HQ on Friday when Disabled People Against Cuts team up with UK Uncut for the Closing Atos Ceremony. Gather at Triton Square, Euston from 12.45pm on Friday 31st August.

Tomorrow sees a day of online and telephone action targeting the company, more info at: https://www.dpac.uk.net/2012/08/dpac-atos-armchair-games-30th-august-the-truth-is-revolutionary/

DPAC Atos Armchair Games 30th August: the truth is revolutionary!

Action, All Posts, Atos, News 6 Responses »

Aug 282012

1. Social media flooding

Gold medals for Atos-

Flood twitter and Facebook with the ‘red peter’ Gold Atos medals, change profile pics to Atos medals

Atos Gold

(with thanks to Stephen LH)

2. Email Gold to Atos- let them know we know about the deaths and suicides

Grab a new email address from gmail or hotmail and send gold to Atos ( we know they have multi-million profits but this is different), if you’re feeling particularly energetic why not post one to your local Atos office too all boxed and presented or hand deliver

Atos gold

Email: customer-relations@atoshealthcare.com or caroline.crouch@atos.net (atos press office), investor relations: giles.arditti@atos.net or head office ukwebenquiries@atos.net

3. Send gold to Thierry Breton Atos CEO

Email: thierry.breton@atos.net

Atos Gold

4. Tweets

a) Tweet @atos and add a few facts or send them a medal add

b) Use hastag #GoParalympicsGB

that’ll confuse ’em….

5. add a DPAC twibbon to your Face book or twitter profile pic

click HERE (with thanks to Nancy Farrell)

6. Be a crap disabled Peoples’ Organisation/Disabled Peoples’ Charity for a day

Atos are looking for disabled peoples’ organisations (DPO) and disabled Peoples’ charities to help them deliver PIP assessments–yes really

Grab a new email address from gmail or hotmail and be a crap DPO for a day, suggested names ‘sell out UK’, ‘Disability Wrongs UK’, SCOOP, Len Chester Disability, you get the idea-be maybe be a bit more subtle, tell them you want to exploit the opportunity (not to mention make loads of money exploiting disabled people) and ask how your crap org/charity can help do that-send dpac your replies

Email: customer- customer-relations@atoshealthcare.com

Subject line: Engagement with Disability Rights Groups on PIP

7. Phone jam

Call Atos to complain. Why not ask them about their UK eugenics program that they’re being paid 100 million a year for by the (unelected) government-video it, record it, post it

Use skype as a cheaper alternative if you don’t have one of those free calls thingies

Customer Relations
Tel: 0113 230 9175

Global public relations

Tel: 020 7830 4233

Press office

Tel: 02078304233

Investor relations:

Tel: +33 (0) 1 73 26 00 66 (with skype its not a UK number)

Sales and Marketing team

Tel: 0207830 444

Be sensible, be polite but let them know….

8. Hold your own vigil for Atos victims –a minutes silence then a letter to your local newspaper suggested text

9. ‘out’ the real Fraudsters on local radio –the truth is revolutionary!

Call in to your local radio station ‘talk show’ tell them what’s happening to disabled people –if they say ‘ah but how can we stop fraud’ tell them the facts:

a) Disability Benefit has the lowest fraud rate of all benefits (and that includes admin error) 0.4% for incapacity benefit, 0.5% for Disability Living Allowance

b) Our own GPs or other medics that deal with us on a regular basis should be doing the job not a company paid 100 million per year and costing the taxpayer 500 million a year in appeals

c) If they want to talk about fraud, don’t let them forget the ‘expenses scandal’ where MPs stole millions from the taxpayer to aid their multimillionaire life styles, the bankers with their million pound bonus’, or the cooperate tax dodgers owing over 20 billion-ask them who they think the real frauds are?

10. Fill in the DPAC, Black Triangle, Social Welfare Union Survey on WCA, recording and other stuff HERE

11. Support 31^st Closing Atos Ceremony by flooding social media, changing profile pics to the

UKUNCUT LOGO

12. Apply to join the Atos Graduate Internship Programme by contacting 0870 4149066 – waste their time and block their line or join them log enough to change the LiMA test to something that can resemble reality for thousands of disabled people.

13. Post questions Atos don’t want to answer on their blog site until they block you. Bill Nuttall says “For some weeks I have been asking ATOS questions on their site blog. Questions like will the new PIP which is replacing DLA stop people killing themselves? Did ATOS request talks with disabiltiy groups over WCA like they are now doing with PIP? Should ATOS assessors look at the medical notes the blog tells claiments to take in? Can they comment on reports that people have killed themselves because of ATOS medicals.My questions get no answers and dissapear from the moderation box after a while.Today I received a ” Forbidden you don,t have permission to access this server.” I cannot anymore but I would urge everyone to go on the ATOS blog and ask the awkward questions they do not want to answer.Lets see how many people ATOS HEALTHSCARE have to “Forbid access” to.” https://blog.atos.net/contact-us/

Share the fightback: send pictures, links comments to DPAC facebook , DPAC twitter @dis_ppl_protest UKUNCUT twitter @UKuncut, DPAC mail mail@dpac.uk.net

Download pics from HERE to post on FB

Tuesday 28th August: Newcastle Atos Protest

Action, Atos, News 1 Response »

Aug 282012

More than twenty people attended the protest at ATOS healthcare’s Arden House assessment centre in Newcastle upon Tyne on 28 August.

As well as disabled people negatively affected by the decisions of ATOS and members of Disabled People Against Cuts, supporters from a number of local anti-cuts groups including Newcastle Anti Cuts Network, Unite the Resistance and Youth Fight for Jobs and Education attended.

A number of people spoke about their personal situations and the negative impact the Work Capability Assessment and the benefits process in general has had on their lives.

Others warned about the impact continuing ‘welfare reform’ will have on those who experience mental health problems, and the impact this pressure and income reduction will have on their families and children.

While there was criticism of the culture and attitude of ATOS and its management towards benefit claimants, someone made the point that ATOS’s workers are members of the PCS trade union who had voted recently for industrial action on the issue of pay.

We approached the centre’s manager and offered to organise a public meeting for disabled claimants and their families where ATOS would be given the opportunity to defend their Work Capability Assessment to those affected by it, but they weren’t keen on this idea.

Local activists are meeting for a coffee at Newcastle Central Library at 1pm on Saturday 1 September to discuss what to do next.

Our leaflet for the protest made the following points:

• The medical assessment company ATOS Origin portray themselves as the friends of disabled people through their sponsorship of the Paralympics, while at the same time working with the Department for Work and Pensions to remove more than a million disabled people off incapacity benefits.

• ATOS Origin’s healthcare division administers a brutal assessment called the Work Capability Assessment that was first introduced in 2008 by New Labour along with the Employment and Support Allowance.

• Even young disabled people with life-limiting conditions that mean they will die in their late teens or early twenties have to fill in an intrusive medical form before a decision is taken as to whether they should be formally assessed or not.

• 70% of ATOS decisions declaring disabled people as ‘fit for work’ are overturned on appeal where somebody is represented.

• Following a unanimous vote at the British Medical Association’s GPs annual conference in May 2012, it is now the policy of Britain’s 44,000 General Practitioner’s to campaign for the scrapping of the Work Capability Assessment.

• The right-wing press point to stories of incapacity and disability benefit fraud based on a sprinkling of cases, but they have been quick to forget about the expenses scandal involving the very MPs who voted for ‘welfare reform’.

• ATOS Origin has made hundreds of millions from running the Work Capability Assessment for the DWP, and has now been awarded the contract to reassess millions of disabled people for the new Personal Independence Payments.

• We call for the Work Capability Assessment and recent Welfare Reform Acts to be scrapped, the DWP’s contracts with ATOS Origin and all private companies to end immediately, and the introduction of a more humane and compassionate welfare system where claimants are assessed and supported according to their abilities and needs linked to policies to create full employment.

Tuesday 28th August: Berkshire Atos Protest

Action, Atos No Responses »

Aug 282012

See other photos at Reading and Wokingham Green Party’s flickr site

Tuesday 28th August: Manchester Atos Protest

Action, Atos 1 Response »

Aug 282012

After blocking the road outside the atos centre in Manchester 50 protesters marched round the city centre chanting

‘David Cameron hear us shout, time to kick Atos out!’

Tuesday 28th August :News report from Yorkshire Atos Protest

Action, Atos, News No Responses »

Aug 282012

Protests over planned cuts to disability benefits – ITV Calendar News report

click for link to news report by Calendar News

Tuesday 28th August: Birmingham Atos Protest

Action, Atos 2 Responses »

Aug 282012

Reposted from Birmingham Against the Cuts with thanks

Report and Photos From Today’s DPAC Demonstration in Birmingham

Around 20 people demonstrated today outside the ATOS assessment centre in Birmingham as part of a week of actionprotesting the Working Capability Assessment (WCA) which is run by ATOS for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and is supposed to assess whether someone on disability benefits is fit for work, but has come under large amounts of criticism for failing to do that – and in the process punishing many disabled people by pushing them off disability benefits onto unemployment benefits and workfare.The week of action is taking place during the Paralympics because ATOS are one of the main sponsors. Their core business is as an IT outsourcing company, but like Capita and Serco they have moved into taking all government outsourcing contracts. The contract to run the WCA is £100m/year – and we pay an additional £50m each yearfor the appeals process to correct the huge number of people that ATOS declare fit for work who go through the appeal process and have the decision reversed – a process that can take over a year.

Around 40% of appeal are successful – a figure that rises to 70% for people who have advocates or legal advice. Many people go to CAB for this advice, but Birmingham residents will soon find their access restricted, as funding cuts mean that CAB will probably be closing all but the city centre branch. At the same time, legal aid is being cut for welfare & benefit appeals, firmly closing the door on disabled people accessing legal advice.In a recent Dispatches program, a doctor went undercover to record the training process for ATOS, and was told by his trainer that ESA (the new disability benefit brought in by New Labour in 2008 to replace Incapacity Benefit) and the WCA are designed to remove people from disability benefits, and that they expect ATOS to find 89% of people fit for work.

The human cost of this target is huge, with 32 people a week dying after being declared fit for work. Many disabled people have died from their illness shortly after being told they are fit for work, including a local man who died of his heart condition just 3 weeks after ATOS told him he was fit to work.

Talk to disabled people about ATOS and the one thing you will hear time and time again is fear. The fear strikes when the letter arrives calling you for assessment. This letter comes even if you have an incurable, unchanging or degenerative condition. The tests can happen annually, and some people even find themselves called for reassessment just weeks after they have had a successful appeal. Or it comes when you receive the ESA50 form to apply for the benefit, a big lump of paper, designed to scare and confuse, intended so that people will not complete it properly. If you’re filling one of these in, do get advice, especially if you have a variable condition.

The fear continues as you wait for the assessment, knowing that doctors advice will be ignored in favour of a ticklist that doesn’t take into account variable conditions, doesn’t mention work and will award no points for manual dexterity if you can use one finger on one hand. (zero points means there is no problem).
Fear stays there until you receive the letter telling you if you are fit for work or not. You might get put in the “support group” where it’s accepted that you aren’t going to be able to work. Or the “Work Related Activity Group” (WRAG), where they say you are fit for work of some kind with the right support (and if there were jobs available, or employers willing to take on someone who will need more time off than other people for medical appointments, or runs the risk of falling very ill very quickly.. but they don’t mention these barriers to employment of course). Or you get told you are fit for work and pushed off to JSA unemployment benefit.
And the fear doesn’t stop then – the wait for the reassessment for those in the support and WRAG groups, the loss of income and support for those kicked off to JSA, the impending prospect of the Work Programme and workfare for those found fit for work (either in the WRAG group or like anyone else unemployed and on JSA), and the sanctions regime that has seen tens of thousands of disabled people lose benefits for up to 6 months.

The fear needs to end, the WCA needs to be suspended now, and altered in a major way so that it is a fair assessment, and ATOS need to be removed from the contract.

You can still take part in the ATOS games and help to make this happen:

Tommorrow (Wed 29th), DPAC will deliver a coffin full of messages from you.

On Thursday 30th: Phone jam! Let’s flood Atos with calls, and generate a Twitter-storm they can’t ignore!

Then on Friday 31st, join DPAC in London where they’re teaming up with UK Uncut for the Closing ATOS ceremony, at ATOS HQ in Triton Square, London from 12:45.

For more information on these events, go to the DPAC website

Thanks for the photos from @BrumProtestor on Twitter.

More photos from Stalingrad O’Neill with thanks!

Tuesday 28th August: Bournemouth Atos Protest

Action, Atos No Responses »

Aug 282012

Blog from one of the Bornemouth protestors and her photos (links to Facebook)

Tuesday 28th August: Swansea Atos Protest

Action, Atos No Responses »

Aug 282012

Report from Swansea

Disabled people, family members and anti-cuts campaigners took a
protest to the Atos assessment centre in Swansea today against the
flawed and hated “work capability assessment” and disability cuts.

On a main road with banners reading “Cuts are Disabling: Fight Every
Cut”, “ATOS: Not fit for purpose”, “Scrap these flawed tests”, “Stop
privatisation of the DWP” we got lots of support from passers by,
including a speaker from the Swansea Bay Racial Equality Council who
spoke in support at the rally.

Tuesday 28th August: Northampton Atos Protest

Action, Atos 2 Responses »

Aug 282012

25 – 30 disabled people, trade unions and supporters turned out to protest outside the Atos assessment centre in Northampton at lunch time today. Local disabled people who have had their lives ruined by ATOS’ cruel and flawed Work Capability Assessments shared their stories with local news broadcasters and press. Other disabled people sent messages of support but stayed away through just not being able to face the assessment building that causes them so much dread and misery. Protesters tried to deliver a gold medal for hypocrisy to Atos but were barred from the building by G4S security guards.

– from Ellen Clifford on site by text

See news at Northampton Chronicle: Protests outside Paralympic sponsor’s Northampton office

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