I welcome the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s decision to investigate “fit for work” tests (Inquiry to begin into DWP’s treatment of ill and disabled people on benefits, 22 May). After retiring in 2002 from a career in hospital medicine, for the next 10 years I was a part-time medical examiner for the Department for Work and Pensions via a private contractor. I did not find it easy to decide if someone was unfit of work and thus eligible for benefits.
During a 40-minute interview I would ask the person about their ability to perform routine tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, cooking and shopping. The physical examination tested mobility, hearing and eyesight. The scoring system was strict, and quite a few of my reports that recorded a significant disability were returned by the head medical adviser disallowing my decision. The assessment of significant mental ill health was even more difficult and subjective. Many times my decision was that the person was fit for work on DWP criteria, but privately I would not dream of employing them myself.
Doubtless the EHRC inquiry will uncover many injustices, but will it come up with suggestions for improving the “fit for work” tests?
Dr Giles Youngs
Drinkstone, Suffolk
• Being disabled myself, I read with some relief of the EHRC inquiry. It comes after whistles are blown on the horrors of the present system (which I have experienced) and the DWP’s own statistics giving the lie to the moves to “combat fraud”. And of course, not so very long after general benefits levels were criticised by a UN expert.
Given the inquiry, perhaps the Tories should now put a halt on all their benefit reform plans, their fraud plans and the bringing forward of universal credit migration until after the inquiry (and general election).
Ian Henderson
Rockland St Mary, Norfolk
