Mother's case raised in Commons

10:54pm Sunday 17th June 2012 in News

A SINGLE mother with mental illness has revealed how she was driven to the edge of suicide after being told to find work, in a case condemned in the Commons.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones described the treatment of the woman as among the worst examples of a new work test criticised as inhumane by mental health charities.

The 36-year-old, from Stanley, County Durham, has suffered from bipolar depression since the age of 21 and receives a “cocktail of medication”, with treatment from a psychiatric nurse.

When she was first contacted by Atos – the French firm employed by the Government to test incapacity benefit (IB) claimants – she was given the impression her benefits were not under threat.

After a 20-minute test, she was passed as fit to work, after being given zero points on a scale in which 15 points are required to be deemed unfit.

She said she immediately lost her £97.50 a week IB payment, making her reliant on her mother to help her look after her two-year-old son.

She is appealing against the ruling, with the risk of losing some of her £92 a week income support if she is placed on jobseeker’s allowance.

She said: “I fell to pieces when they told me I had got zero points and that I would have to get a job, because I have a two-year-old son and because of my mental illness.

“I was crying and I felt suicidal.

I thought I was going to lose my house, because my housing benefit was withdrawn, which meant I could not pay the rent. It was then reinstated.

“I do not want to think about having to go to work. I know I could not cope, because I have tried before. Not unless my mental illness gets better.”

She said her psychiatric nurse was shocked at the ruling, and said: “She felt guilty, because she hadn’t realised it could happen.”

In the Commons last week, Mr Jones, who revealed his own battle against depression, said he was sure the woman would win her appeal, but said she had already been waiting eight months.

The Department for Work and Pensions said it was talking to charities to find ways to improve the tests.

Comments (19)

7:35am Mon 18 Jun 12

tabby67 says...

Utterly discusting this government should be ashamed!!!

That 20 minute appointment which is usually done over the phone with atos is a complete joke, how on earth can someobdy on the end of the phone who knows absolutely nothing about the people they are interviewing apart from a few notes decide some people are fit for work JOKE!

I have never had one but have listenened in when my friend had one she put it on speaker phone.

For gods sake lets vote this government out they are making some really bad decisions its disgraceful!!
Utterly discusting this government should be ashamed!!! That 20 minute appointment which is usually done over the phone with atos is a complete joke, how on earth can someobdy on the end of the phone who knows absolutely nothing about the people they are interviewing apart from a few notes decide some people are fit for work JOKE! I have never had one but have listenened in when my friend had one she put it on speaker phone. For gods sake lets vote this government out they are making some really bad decisions its disgraceful!! tabby67

8:57am Mon 18 Jun 12

Idontknowaboutyoubut says...

I agree,total disgrace,but we must remember that the reforms were set in motion by the previous government,so we cannot put all the blame on the coalition.
Dont get me wrong,I'm no tory, but we have to be fair when apportioning blame.Personally,whe
n I look at Duncan-Smith,I get a mental image of him in uniform,with a peaked hat,and lightening flashes on his lapels.Suits his political ideology?
I agree,total disgrace,but we must remember that the reforms were set in motion by the previous government,so we cannot put all the blame on the coalition. Dont get me wrong,I'm no tory, but we have to be fair when apportioning blame.Personally,whe n I look at Duncan-Smith,I get a mental image of him in uniform,with a peaked hat,and lightening flashes on his lapels.Suits his political ideology? Idontknowaboutyoubut

12:51pm Mon 18 Jun 12

Northcroft says...

what I always find bizarre is the "illnesses" people profess to have do not affest their ability to accept money, do not affect their ability to have children, and in many cases, a mobility car can be driven with great ease......
Having worked 34 years, yes i can see how many up North will shake in their boots if the words "job" or "work" are mentioned. I see so many doing everyday things vary well, its called "life" but when it comes to working or paying for their very existence, der oh dear its a different story. In this particaular instance then, the "cocktail" of drugs are clearly NOT working, I would have assumed taking them was to correct the situation. I wonder how many a cocktail is ? Everyday I take 5 BP pills and 9 painkillers for arthritis, never claimed a penny even though at times its difficult. Britain is finished !
what I always find bizarre is the "illnesses" people profess to have do not affest their ability to accept money, do not affect their ability to have children, and in many cases, a mobility car can be driven with great ease...... Having worked 34 years, yes i can see how many up North will shake in their boots if the words "job" or "work" are mentioned. I see so many doing everyday things vary well, its called "life" but when it comes to working or paying for their very existence, der oh dear its a different story. In this particaular instance then, the "cocktail" of drugs are clearly NOT working, I would have assumed taking them was to correct the situation. I wonder how many a cocktail is ? Everyday I take 5 BP pills and 9 painkillers for arthritis, never claimed a penny even though at times its difficult. Britain is finished ! Northcroft

1:25pm Mon 18 Jun 12

dawn patrol says...

What a kind undestanding individual "northcroft "is,dismissing every jobseeker in the north as workshy. The lady in question has bi-polar disorder, the people assigned to check claiments have no quaifications to assess peoples health, they are just charged with saving money so the goverment can save money for their friends.
What a kind undestanding individual "northcroft "is,dismissing every jobseeker in the north as workshy. The lady in question has bi-polar disorder, the people assigned to check claiments have no quaifications to assess peoples health, they are just charged with saving money so the goverment can save money for their friends. dawn patrol

6:30pm Mon 18 Jun 12

tomtopper says...

Northcroft wrote:
what I always find bizarre is the "illnesses" people profess to have do not affest their ability to accept money, do not affect their ability to have children, and in many cases, a mobility car can be driven with great ease......
Having worked 34 years, yes i can see how many up North will shake in their boots if the words "job" or "work" are mentioned. I see so many doing everyday things vary well, its called "life" but when it comes to working or paying for their very existence, der oh dear its a different story. In this particaular instance then, the "cocktail" of drugs are clearly NOT working, I would have assumed taking them was to correct the situation. I wonder how many a cocktail is ? Everyday I take 5 BP pills and 9 painkillers for arthritis, never claimed a penny even though at times its difficult. Britain is finished !
Well Said and I totally agree...

Most spongers use the psychiatric path as unlike other conditions its pretty much assumption based.. And the sponger can easily use the internet (with his/her numerous and lavish benefits) to help him feign it perfectly..

The naive airheads on here bleating on how terrible it is, are the very people who've took the great out of Britain...

Shameful
[quote][p][bold]Northcroft[/bold] wrote: what I always find bizarre is the "illnesses" people profess to have do not affest their ability to accept money, do not affect their ability to have children, and in many cases, a mobility car can be driven with great ease...... Having worked 34 years, yes i can see how many up North will shake in their boots if the words "job" or "work" are mentioned. I see so many doing everyday things vary well, its called "life" but when it comes to working or paying for their very existence, der oh dear its a different story. In this particaular instance then, the "cocktail" of drugs are clearly NOT working, I would have assumed taking them was to correct the situation. I wonder how many a cocktail is ? Everyday I take 5 BP pills and 9 painkillers for arthritis, never claimed a penny even though at times its difficult. Britain is finished ![/p][/quote]Well Said and I totally agree... Most spongers use the psychiatric path as unlike other conditions its pretty much assumption based.. And the sponger can easily use the internet (with his/her numerous and lavish benefits) to help him feign it perfectly.. The naive airheads on here bleating on how terrible it is, are the very people who've took the great out of Britain... Shameful tomtopper

7:17pm Mon 18 Jun 12

Idontknowaboutyoubut says...

Northcroft.Tomtopper
.
Dreadfull comments that are totally uncalled for,and so wide of the mark that you must be strikers for England.
Who are you,to make such assumptions about anyone who is suffering from a devastating disorder.This aint no ache&pain.
For me,people like you are whats wrong with this country today!!
Northcroft.Tomtopper . Dreadfull comments that are totally uncalled for,and so wide of the mark that you must be strikers for England. Who are you,to make such assumptions about anyone who is suffering from a devastating disorder.This aint no ache&pain. For me,people like you are whats wrong with this country today!! Idontknowaboutyoubut

7:22pm Mon 18 Jun 12

Duke of Aycliffe says...

I don't want to think about going to work, but I have to & this is because I HAVE to work. I have no other choice, because I want to give my family & children the most comfortable lifestyle that I can.
I'm sure that there are genuine people on the sick. However, for far too long, the lazy & feckless have taken the mick out of the benefits system.
I don't want to think about going to work, but I have to & this is because I HAVE to work. I have no other choice, because I want to give my family & children the most comfortable lifestyle that I can. I'm sure that there are genuine people on the sick. However, for far too long, the lazy & feckless have taken the mick out of the benefits system. Duke of Aycliffe

9:00am Tue 19 Jun 12

tabby67 says...

Northcroft you’re a small minded idiot if that’s what you believe!!
I work FULL time too and always have along with lots of other people in the north east, what about the people who have worked for donkeys years then develop an illness through no fault of their own and they are unable to work!
NOT BY CHOICE THEY PHISICALLY CAN’T WORK!

What about a family mother father who have kids who then divorce and mother or father is left with the children and develop an illness don’t assume just because you’re ok to work everybody is in the same boat you fool!

Lots of people are on medication but still suffer so much pain and they are taking the medication simply to survive and try and live as nearer normal life as possible.

Do you really think some people who have these illnesses want to be ill and live the life they do? I’m sure there are people who clearly abuse the system but stop tarring everybody with the same brush.
Let’s hope you and tomtopper who seems to be the only naive airhead here never need any financial help in the future because I would hate to be the one pointing the finger at you for draining the system. In fact perhaps you both need to be in a similar situation with an illness so make your small minds understand.
Northcroft you’re a small minded idiot if that’s what you believe!! I work FULL time too and always have along with lots of other people in the north east, what about the people who have worked for donkeys years then develop an illness through no fault of their own and they are unable to work! NOT BY CHOICE THEY PHISICALLY CAN’T WORK! What about a family mother father who have kids who then divorce and mother or father is left with the children and develop an illness don’t assume just because you’re ok to work everybody is in the same boat you fool! Lots of people are on medication but still suffer so much pain and they are taking the medication simply to survive and try and live as nearer normal life as possible. Do you really think some people who have these illnesses want to be ill and live the life they do? I’m sure there are people who clearly abuse the system but stop tarring everybody with the same brush. Let’s hope you and tomtopper who seems to be the only naive airhead here never need any financial help in the future because I would hate to be the one pointing the finger at you for draining the system. In fact perhaps you both need to be in a similar situation with an illness so make your small minds understand. tabby67

10:39am Tue 19 Jun 12

steapuk says...

But the issue remains that lots of people who are fit to work simply don't admit it or seek employment. Or rather do but recieve cash in hand and claim benefits. There's pretty much no disputing that fact. Those are the people who give genuine claimants a bad name. The welfare state is a brilliant thing but it's at breaking point and won't be available to those who contribute when the need it. My major gripe with the system though is that no person should by unable to work because "they can't afford to". How can that be the case?
But the issue remains that lots of people who are fit to work simply don't admit it or seek employment. Or rather do but recieve cash in hand and claim benefits. There's pretty much no disputing that fact. Those are the people who give genuine claimants a bad name. The welfare state is a brilliant thing but it's at breaking point and won't be available to those who contribute when the need it. My major gripe with the system though is that no person should by unable to work because "they can't afford to". How can that be the case? steapuk

10:58am Tue 19 Jun 12

Idontknowaboutyoubut says...

In recent times,there seems to be a Government sponsored hostility developing towards anyone who is in receipt of State Benefits.It is a dangerous trend,given that it demonizes those who are in genuine need,and can indeed drive the victims to the depths of despair.
Of course there are those who abuse the system.MPs expenses claims being a case in point.There are villains in EVERY walk of life, and it is wrong to point the finger out of sheer prejudice against the sick and disabled,or are you all so bloody perfect?
In recent times,there seems to be a Government sponsored hostility developing towards anyone who is in receipt of State Benefits.It is a dangerous trend,given that it demonizes those who are in genuine need,and can indeed drive the victims to the depths of despair. Of course there are those who abuse the system.MPs expenses claims being a case in point.There are villains in EVERY walk of life, and it is wrong to point the finger out of sheer prejudice against the sick and disabled,or are you all so bloody perfect? Idontknowaboutyoubut

6:29pm Tue 19 Jun 12

Northcroft says...

a few of you liked my comments a few didn't !
I put it to you, in this case, a woman "suffering" bipolar who is "unable" to work, what on earth is there to suggest therefore that given her condition AND a "cocktail" of drugs, she is capable of looking after a 2 year old child? Is that sensible........? Where is the father, what does HE do......?

I re-iterate again, a lot of these people pick and choose what they can and can't do in society.
a few of you liked my comments a few didn't ! I put it to you, in this case, a woman "suffering" bipolar who is "unable" to work, what on earth is there to suggest therefore that given her condition AND a "cocktail" of drugs, she is capable of looking after a 2 year old child? Is that sensible........? Where is the father, what does HE do......? I re-iterate again, a lot of these people pick and choose what they can and can't do in society. Northcroft

8:15pm Tue 19 Jun 12

tomtopper says...

Idontknowaboutyoubut wrote:
Northcroft.Tomtopper

.
Dreadfull comments that are totally uncalled for,and so wide of the mark that you must be strikers for England.
Who are you,to make such assumptions about anyone who is suffering from a devastating disorder.This aint no ache&pain.
For me,people like you are whats wrong with this country today!!
Im trying to work out exactly what your point is... Are you saying it's dreadful that I've pointed out what a lot of people do in order to play a system designed for people in genuine need? Or do you believe that everyone who claims is in genuine need?

What is dreadful is that you and tabby67 appear to be defending the shirkers, and not saying a word against the many who rape the benefit system at the expense of the few genuine claimants.. Of which the goverment is trying to deal with..

Any logical observations are met with the usual 'nasty/intolerant' ruse.. and a display of utter intolerance by the very people whom profess it..
[quote][p][bold]Idontknowaboutyoubut[/bold] wrote: Northcroft.Tomtopper . Dreadfull comments that are totally uncalled for,and so wide of the mark that you must be strikers for England. Who are you,to make such assumptions about anyone who is suffering from a devastating disorder.This aint no ache&pain. For me,people like you are whats wrong with this country today!![/p][/quote]Im trying to work out exactly what your point is... Are you saying it's dreadful that I've pointed out what a lot of people do in order to play a system designed for people in genuine need? Or do you believe that everyone who claims is in genuine need? What is dreadful is that you and tabby67 appear to be defending the shirkers, and not saying a word against the many who rape the benefit system at the expense of the few genuine claimants.. Of which the goverment is trying to deal with.. Any logical observations are met with the usual 'nasty/intolerant' ruse.. and a display of utter intolerance by the very people whom profess it.. tomtopper

9:08pm Tue 19 Jun 12

dawn patrol says...

(Few genuine claiments) there you go again assuming everybody is cheating the system.( The goverment is trying to deal with).As i said before the goverment are using untrained staff,a few months ago they past fit a man with a heart condition as fully fit and the worry about losing his benefits brought on a fatal heart attack is it really worth it? treating genuine claimants the same as those cheating the system why cant they take the word of their g.p.s. If you think there are plenty of jobs why dont you resign your jobs and see for youre selves good luck!!!
(Few genuine claiments) there you go again assuming everybody is cheating the system.( The goverment is trying to deal with).As i said before the goverment are using untrained staff,a few months ago they past fit a man with a heart condition as fully fit and the worry about losing his benefits brought on a fatal heart attack is it really worth it? treating genuine claimants the same as those cheating the system why cant they take the word of their g.p.s. If you think there are plenty of jobs why dont you resign your jobs and see for youre selves good luck!!! dawn patrol

10:22pm Tue 19 Jun 12

tabby67 says...

I would like to know how tomtopper has decided that this lady is what you call a sponger????

Do you know her???
Do you know her personal circumstances???
PROBABLY NOT !!!

You probably know nothing about her condition either you tool!

If you read my post properly I did say there probably are some people who abuse the system perhaps you should work for atos tomtopper then YOU can decide who should and shouldnt get help ey???? I'm sure with your broadbrush comments you will save the government a load of money You naive airhead
I would like to know how tomtopper has decided that this lady is what you call a sponger???? Do you know her??? Do you know her personal circumstances??? PROBABLY NOT !!! You probably know nothing about her condition either you tool! If you read my post properly I did say there probably are some people who abuse the system perhaps you should work for atos tomtopper then YOU can decide who should and shouldnt get help ey???? I'm sure with your broadbrush comments you will save the government a load of money You naive airhead tabby67

11:36pm Tue 19 Jun 12

tomtopper says...

tabby67 wrote:
I would like to know how tomtopper has decided that this lady is what you call a sponger????

Do you know her???
Do you know her personal circumstances???
PROBABLY NOT !!!

You probably know nothing about her condition either you tool!

If you read my post properly I did say there probably are some people who abuse the system perhaps you should work for atos tomtopper then YOU can decide who should and shouldnt get help ey???? I'm sure with your broadbrush comments you will save the government a load of money You naive airhead
Firstly, could you please detail exactly where i've called the lady in question a sponger? Outside my general observation on 'spongers', I can't see where I have...

But i trust Atos have made the the right decision in her particular case.. But wait a minute, you say they (atos) don't know what they're on about..

So the following statement taken off thier website must be a full scale deception then?....
"All our 1404 healthcare professionals are fully trained to undertake disability assessments. Doctors are registered with the General Medical Council, nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and physiotherapists with the Health Professions Council. All healthcare professionals are approved by the Chief Medical Adviser of the DWP."

A serious accusation indeed..

Can I ask you some questions now?

1) In light of the above excerpt are you're more qualified than this goverment appointed body to decide who's ill or not ...?

2) Do you know her?

3) Do you know her personal circumstances?

4) Do you know everything about her condition?

5) If she is mentally ill to the point of not being able to work, does that mean she must also be mentally ill to the point of not being able to look after a 2yr old child, which is a lot more demanding than going to work?

I think I know who the 'tool' is on here..
[quote][p][bold]tabby67[/bold] wrote: I would like to know how tomtopper has decided that this lady is what you call a sponger???? Do you know her??? Do you know her personal circumstances??? PROBABLY NOT !!! You probably know nothing about her condition either you tool! If you read my post properly I did say there probably are some people who abuse the system perhaps you should work for atos tomtopper then YOU can decide who should and shouldnt get help ey???? I'm sure with your broadbrush comments you will save the government a load of money You naive airhead[/p][/quote]Firstly, could you please detail exactly where i've called the lady in question a sponger? Outside my general observation on 'spongers', I can't see where I have... But i trust Atos have made the the right decision in her particular case.. But wait a minute, you say they (atos) don't know what they're on about.. So the following statement taken off thier website must be a full scale deception then?.... "All our 1404 healthcare professionals are fully trained to undertake disability assessments. Doctors are registered with the General Medical Council, nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and physiotherapists with the Health Professions Council. All healthcare professionals are approved by the Chief Medical Adviser of the DWP." A serious accusation indeed.. Can I ask you some questions now? 1) In light of the above excerpt are you're more qualified than this goverment appointed body to decide who's ill or not ...? 2) Do you know her? 3) Do you know her personal circumstances? 4) Do you know everything about her condition? 5) If she is mentally ill to the point of not being able to work, does that mean she must also be mentally ill to the point of not being able to look after a 2yr old child, which is a lot more demanding than going to work? I think I know who the 'tool' is on here.. tomtopper

11:47pm Tue 19 Jun 12

tomtopper says...

dawn patrol wrote:
(Few genuine claiments) there you go again assuming everybody is cheating the system.( The goverment is trying to deal with).As i said before the goverment are using untrained staff,a few months ago they past fit a man with a heart condition as fully fit and the worry about losing his benefits brought on a fatal heart attack is it really worth it? treating genuine claimants the same as those cheating the system why cant they take the word of their g.p.s. If you think there are plenty of jobs why dont you resign your jobs and see for youre selves good luck!!!
As I've already outlined above..

The atos website states:

"All our 1404* healthcare professionals are fully trained to undertake disability assessments. Doctors are registered with the General Medical Council, nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and physiotherapists with the Health Professions Council. All healthcare professionals are approved by the Chief Medical Adviser of the DWP."

I'm more inclined to believe them than yourself ... They can spell correctly for one..
[quote][p][bold]dawn patrol[/bold] wrote: (Few genuine claiments) there you go again assuming everybody is cheating the system.( The goverment is trying to deal with).As i said before the goverment are using untrained staff,a few months ago they past fit a man with a heart condition as fully fit and the worry about losing his benefits brought on a fatal heart attack is it really worth it? treating genuine claimants the same as those cheating the system why cant they take the word of their g.p.s. If you think there are plenty of jobs why dont you resign your jobs and see for youre selves good luck!!![/p][/quote]As I've already outlined above.. The atos website states: "All our 1404* healthcare professionals are fully trained to undertake disability assessments. Doctors are registered with the General Medical Council, nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and physiotherapists with the Health Professions Council. All healthcare professionals are approved by the Chief Medical Adviser of the DWP." I'm more inclined to believe them than yourself ... They can spell correctly for one.. tomtopper

5:34pm Wed 20 Jun 12

dawn patrol says...

HERE WE GO AGAIN, YOURE STILL AVOIDING THE POINT THAT MANY CASES OF PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS ARE BEING LUMPED TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE WITH DODGY CLAIMS .As for my spelling i di d not know we were in the middle of an english exam? Iff there are so few genuine claimants why do over 50% of cases result in people getting their benefits back?
HERE WE GO AGAIN, YOURE STILL AVOIDING THE POINT THAT MANY CASES OF PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS ARE BEING LUMPED TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE WITH DODGY CLAIMS .As for my spelling i di d not know we were in the middle of an english exam? Iff there are so few genuine claimants why do over 50% of cases result in people getting their benefits back? dawn patrol

12:16am Thu 21 Jun 12

tomtopper says...

dawn patrol wrote:
HERE WE GO AGAIN, YOURE STILL AVOIDING THE POINT THAT MANY CASES OF PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS ARE BEING LUMPED TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE WITH DODGY CLAIMS .As for my spelling i di d not know we were in the middle of an english exam? Iff there are so few genuine claimants why do over 50% of cases result in people getting their benefits back?
So what you're saying is that people who make false or 'dodgy' claims should be left to continue to do so? Or are you in agreement with me that the spongers should be dealt with?

Surely the people with dodgy claims are the ones to blame for the fact that this happens..Assuming it does of course.. And if 50% of cases get thier benefit back then surely the goverment can't be as ruthless as you're making out?
[quote][p][bold]dawn patrol[/bold] wrote: HERE WE GO AGAIN, YOURE STILL AVOIDING THE POINT THAT MANY CASES OF PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITIONS ARE BEING LUMPED TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE WITH DODGY CLAIMS .As for my spelling i di d not know we were in the middle of an english exam? Iff there are so few genuine claimants why do over 50% of cases result in people getting their benefits back?[/p][/quote]So what you're saying is that people who make false or 'dodgy' claims should be left to continue to do so? Or are you in agreement with me that the spongers should be dealt with? Surely the people with dodgy claims are the ones to blame for the fact that this happens..Assuming it does of course.. And if 50% of cases get thier benefit back then surely the goverment can't be as ruthless as you're making out? tomtopper

8:30pm Thu 21 Jun 12

tomtopper says...

The silence is deafening....!
The silence is deafening....! tomtopper

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