A NORTH-EAST MP has written to a Government minister to raise questions over fit-to-work assessments for people with mental health problems in response to grass-root concerns.

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson this week told The Northern Echo he had become increasingly concerned about constituents with mental health issues being deemed fit for work and sanctioned.

The politician was approached by welfare rights groups in the area who claim they come into frequent contact with service users assessed as ineligible for Employment Support Allowance.

Today (September 22) he sent a letter to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Damian Green, seeking reassurances about the experience and training of those carrying out Work Capability Assessments (WCA).

Mr Wilson said: “They use a tick-box approach to the needs of the person. My main worry is people doing the assessments are under experienced with mental health issues. Noone is saying that people shouldn’t be sanctioned but authorities need to be sensitive. There is an issue with the system.”

One of the organisations Mr Wilson has been in touch with regarding the issue is the Ferryhill Ladder Centre, in Ferryhill, County Durham, which offers people access to computers to help with job searches.

Kath Merrington, development worker, said: “We find we are getting so many people who have been found fit for work who are completely unemployable. There seems to be a lack of flexibility (with the assessments).” She added the centre had seen people found fit for work who were suffering from conditions such as Alzheimer’s, memory loss, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis and blindness. She said some people had even felt suicidal as a result..

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “Decisions on sanctions aren’t taken lightly but are an important part of our benefits system and they are only ever used as a last resort. We provide guidance to Jobcentre staff on how best to support vulnerable claimants, and the health professionals who carry out WCAs are highly trained to assess people with mental health conditions. If someone disagrees with the outcome of their assessment they can appeal.”