DSC ends association with Atos

A company which carried out controversial fitness-to-work assessments on people claiming benefits has not tendered for the contract.

Atos was appointed on a trial basis by the Department of Social Care for six months last year to assess whether people on incapacity benefits were capable of work.

 
The review found that a third of people assessed were actually fit for work – however the assessment process was heavily criticised.

 
Six companies have now tendered for a three year contract – Atos is not one of them – and a decision will be made in August.

 
Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw says decisions around this subject are always going to attract criticism (play audio):