http://www.autism.org.uk/atosaudit
NAS responds to Atos audit
Vital disability benefit assessments must be fair and fit for purpose
Following the news that auditors have uncovered weaknesses in the Atos system, Mark Lever, Chief Executive of The National Autistic Society, said:
"From day one, there have been significant concerns with the way the Work Capability Assessment works for people with autism.
"Recent documentaries exposing the failings of the system have done nothing to reassure some of our most vulnerable members of society.
"WCA has not only wasted money but caused untold distress for many thousands of legitimately disabled people.
"The Government must listen to the watchdog’s criticisms and act on them ensuring that they learn from the shortcomings of the WCA when introducing PIP.
"PIP needs to be a genuine strategy to improve the current system and not simply an attempt to save money. When the right support is not in place, people with autism often go on to develop more significant health problems costing the Government far more in the long-term.
"The Government must ensure the way they outsource these vital disability benefit assessments is fair and fit for purpose, otherwise they risk failing thousands of those most in need."
