Firestormm
Senior Member
- Messages
- 5,055
- Location
- Cornwall England
Thursday 2nd August 2012. Is this a joke? Apparently not. According to Dr Charles Shepherd of the ME Association on their Facebook page last night:
MEA FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ME-Association/171411469583186
'Having just got back from London - where our group has been having yet another meeting with the DWP on how our proposals for revising the current WCA descriptors can be tested - I must point out that the version that has been leaked and published here is NOT the version that we are currently discussing. However, as this earlier version is now in the public domain, I am very happy to note any comments that people wish to make - either here or on the blog.'
Diary of a Benefit Scrounger: http://diaryofabenefitscrounger.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/breaking-news-possible-new-wca.html
'...A week or so ago, we were sent a new set of descriptors anonymously that seemed to be significant improvement. We didn't know who had written them or whether there was any realistic chance that they would ever be used.
As you can see from the guest post on out blogs, It turns out that these were the descriptors suggested by the mental health charities, learning disabilites charities and charities representing those with fluctuating conditions.
We felt that it was only fair that you be given the chance to decide for yourselves what you think of the new descriptors. We are told that they may have changed over the last few weeks but that broadly, these are the descriptors that the DWP now say that they will test independently and fairly.
We also felt, once we had seen them, that Mind and other charities had made the correct decision to work with the DWP rather than walking way and leaving the testing to be done by the DWP alone, without any input from sick or disabled people.
We can only hope that these descriptors ARE closer to a model that will be used in the future as any improvement can only mean that millions of people currently undergoing an unfair and distressing process are more fairly treated.
As Mind have pointed out, these new descriptors are far from perfect, but those currently used are unfit for purpose and will never provide a fair and balanced outcome.
From, Sue and Kaliya'
PART 1
1. Mobilising
a. The claimant cannot reliably, repeatedly and safely, within a reasonable amount of time mobilise:
Over at least 100m [or suitable alternative distances to attract lower points]
On a variety of terrains, including steps and uneven as well as level ground
Through a variety of working spaces, including negotiating doors and other entrances and exits
To and from the workplace, and relevant work-related commitments, with some prior planning and adjustments
Without significant discomfort, breathlessness or fatigue
b. This is the case:
i. More than 75% of the time
ii. Between 50% and 75% of the time
iii. Between 20% and 50% of the time
2. Standing and sitting
a. Cannot reliably, repeatedly and safely, using any aid that it is reasonable to expect them to use:
i. Move between one seated position and another seated position located next to one another without receiving physical assistance from another person.
ii. Remain at a work station, either:
a. Standing unassisted by another person (even if free to move around) or;
b. Sitting (even in an adjustable chair) for more than 30 minutes without significant discomfort, loss of balance or exhaustion
iii. Remain at a work station; either:
a. Standing unassisted by another person (even if free to move around) or;
b. Sitting (even in an adjustable chair) for more than an hour without significant discomfort, loss of balance or exhaustion.
b. This is the case
i. More than 75% of the time
ii. Between 50% and 75% of the time
iii. Between 20% and 50% of the time
3. Reaching, picking up and moving
a. Due to difficulties with or restricted movement of upper body (arms, shoulders, back, neck) and/or lower body (hips, knees, ankles), cannot repeatedly, reliably and safely, without significant discomfort or exhaustion, from standing or sitting:
i. Reach up, down (i.e. through bending, kneeling or squatting) and sideways a reasonable distance
ii. Pick up and move a range of differently-sized objects up to 0.5kg
iii. Either reach up, down or sideways a reasonable distance; or reach and pick up and move a range of differently-sized objects up to 0.5kg
b.
i. with either hand
ii. with dominant hand
iii. with both hands
c. This is the case;
i. More than 75% of the time
ii. Between 50% and 75% of the time
iii. Between 20% and 50% of the time
4. Manual dexterity/ hand movement
a. Cannot reliably, repeatedly and safely, within a reasonable amount of time and without significant discomfort:
i. Grip and turn a door handle, tap and/or piece of equipment (such as a dial on a radio)
ii. Create a legible message or draw a diagram through the use of a pen or pencil
iii. Use a suitable keyboard or mouse
iv. Turn the pages of a book
v. Pick up and move a £1 coin (so as to put it into a slot in a machine/ box)
vi. Repeatedly press buttons, such as to dial a number on a telephone keypad
vii. Twist a lid or cap so as to open a jar or bottle.
viii. Carry out fine motor/ finger movement, such as to do up a button or tie a knot
b. To the extent that this is, without significant discomfort;
i. Impossible
ii. Very difficult
iii. Difficult
c. This is the case:
i. More than 75% of the time
ii. between 50% and 75% of the time
iii. between 25% and 50% of the time
5. Bladder/ bowel continence
a. Experiences unpredictable or recurrent loss of control leading to voiding of the bladder, extensive evacuation of the bowel or substantial leakage of the contents of a collecting device sufficient to require cleaning and a change of clothing and/or incontinence pads Or
b. Without immediate access# to a toilet, suitably modified where appropriate, would experience loss of control leading to voiding of the bladder, extensive evacuation of the bowel or substantial leakage of a collecting device sufficient to require cleaning and a change of clothing and/or incontinence pads;
c. Experiences significant discomfort due to the need to evacuate the bladder or bowel or risks losing control if not able quickly to reach a toilet, suitably modified where appropriate
And
c. This is the case:
i. Most of the time (more than 75%)
ii. Some of the time (between 50% and 75%)
iii. Occasionally (between 20% and 50%) PART 2
6. Learning Tasks
a. Is able to learn processes necessary to get a job and undertake tasks within it
b. Can learn tasks relevant to getting a job and to working;
i. with verbal or written instructions
ii. with guided practice
iii. Cannot even learn all necessary tasks
c. No longer requires support to repeat the task after;
i. one day
ii. one week
iii. one month
iv. Three months or more
7. Awareness of Hazards
a. Is fully aware of potential hazards
b. Without help and/or adjustments, risk(s) of injury to self or others, or of damage to property or possessions is likely to be;
i. Moderate
ii. Substantial
iii. Very substantial
c. The risks above are likely to arise;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
8. Maintaining Focus
a. Is able to maintain focus without difficulty
b. Due to poor memory or concentration, needs help and/or adjustments in
maintaining focus on;
i. Some tasks
ii. Most tasks
iii. All tasks
c. When working on the tasks concerned for;
i. Most of the day
ii. A few hours
iii. An hour or less
d. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
9. Executing Tasks
a. Has no difficulty executing even complex tasks
b. Needs additional time to complete;
i. Some tasks
ii. Most tasks
iii. All tasks
c. Such that the task would take;
i. A little longer
ii. Substantially longer
iii. Much longer
d. This is an issue;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
10. Managing Self and Schedule
a. Has no difficulties managing him/herself and his/her schedule
b. Because of difficulties in motivation or organisation, or distress, can only manage self and schedule to an acceptable standard with;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Cannot manage at all
c. For;
i. Short periods
ii. Much of the day
iii. All day
d. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
11. Coping with Change
a. Able to cope with minor planned changes to daily routine
b. Can only cope with minor planned changes to daily routine with;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Cannot cope at all
or
Can only cope with minor unplanned changes to daily routine with;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Cannot cope at all
c. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
12. Getting About
a. Able to get to familiar places
b. Because of distress or disorientation, can only get to familiar places with;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Cannot make journeys at all
or
Because of distress or disorientation, can only get to unfamiliar places with;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Cannot make journeys at all
c. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
13. Social Engagement
a. Is able to interact with people and engage socially
b. Because of difficulties interacting with others, anxiety, distress or other emotions, can only engage socially with;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Cannot engage socially at all
c. Difficulties in interaction and engagement occur with people
i. Unknown to the person
ii. Known to the person
iii. Familiar to the person
d. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
14. Appropriateness of Behaviour
a. Does not display behaviour which work colleagues would consider inappropriate
b. May display physically aggressive, verbally aggressive or socially inappropriate behaviour unless he/she has;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Behaviour not amenable to help or support
c. The nature of this behaviour tends to be;
i. Mild
ii. Moderate
iii. Severe
d. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
15. Communicating with Others
a. Has no difficulties with communication or social understanding
b. In order to communicate and to show social understanding, needs;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Communication is not amenable to help or support
c. Needs help and/or adjustments during;
i. Some communication
ii. Most communication
iii. All communication
d. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
MEA FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ME-Association/171411469583186
'Having just got back from London - where our group has been having yet another meeting with the DWP on how our proposals for revising the current WCA descriptors can be tested - I must point out that the version that has been leaked and published here is NOT the version that we are currently discussing. However, as this earlier version is now in the public domain, I am very happy to note any comments that people wish to make - either here or on the blog.'
Diary of a Benefit Scrounger: http://diaryofabenefitscrounger.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/breaking-news-possible-new-wca.html
'...A week or so ago, we were sent a new set of descriptors anonymously that seemed to be significant improvement. We didn't know who had written them or whether there was any realistic chance that they would ever be used.
As you can see from the guest post on out blogs, It turns out that these were the descriptors suggested by the mental health charities, learning disabilites charities and charities representing those with fluctuating conditions.
We felt that it was only fair that you be given the chance to decide for yourselves what you think of the new descriptors. We are told that they may have changed over the last few weeks but that broadly, these are the descriptors that the DWP now say that they will test independently and fairly.
We also felt, once we had seen them, that Mind and other charities had made the correct decision to work with the DWP rather than walking way and leaving the testing to be done by the DWP alone, without any input from sick or disabled people.
We can only hope that these descriptors ARE closer to a model that will be used in the future as any improvement can only mean that millions of people currently undergoing an unfair and distressing process are more fairly treated.
As Mind have pointed out, these new descriptors are far from perfect, but those currently used are unfit for purpose and will never provide a fair and balanced outcome.
From, Sue and Kaliya'
PART 1
1. Mobilising
a. The claimant cannot reliably, repeatedly and safely, within a reasonable amount of time mobilise:
Over at least 100m [or suitable alternative distances to attract lower points]
On a variety of terrains, including steps and uneven as well as level ground
Through a variety of working spaces, including negotiating doors and other entrances and exits
To and from the workplace, and relevant work-related commitments, with some prior planning and adjustments
Without significant discomfort, breathlessness or fatigue
b. This is the case:
i. More than 75% of the time
ii. Between 50% and 75% of the time
iii. Between 20% and 50% of the time
2. Standing and sitting
a. Cannot reliably, repeatedly and safely, using any aid that it is reasonable to expect them to use:
i. Move between one seated position and another seated position located next to one another without receiving physical assistance from another person.
ii. Remain at a work station, either:
a. Standing unassisted by another person (even if free to move around) or;
b. Sitting (even in an adjustable chair) for more than 30 minutes without significant discomfort, loss of balance or exhaustion
iii. Remain at a work station; either:
a. Standing unassisted by another person (even if free to move around) or;
b. Sitting (even in an adjustable chair) for more than an hour without significant discomfort, loss of balance or exhaustion.
b. This is the case
i. More than 75% of the time
ii. Between 50% and 75% of the time
iii. Between 20% and 50% of the time
3. Reaching, picking up and moving
a. Due to difficulties with or restricted movement of upper body (arms, shoulders, back, neck) and/or lower body (hips, knees, ankles), cannot repeatedly, reliably and safely, without significant discomfort or exhaustion, from standing or sitting:
i. Reach up, down (i.e. through bending, kneeling or squatting) and sideways a reasonable distance
ii. Pick up and move a range of differently-sized objects up to 0.5kg
iii. Either reach up, down or sideways a reasonable distance; or reach and pick up and move a range of differently-sized objects up to 0.5kg
b.
i. with either hand
ii. with dominant hand
iii. with both hands
c. This is the case;
i. More than 75% of the time
ii. Between 50% and 75% of the time
iii. Between 20% and 50% of the time
4. Manual dexterity/ hand movement
a. Cannot reliably, repeatedly and safely, within a reasonable amount of time and without significant discomfort:
i. Grip and turn a door handle, tap and/or piece of equipment (such as a dial on a radio)
ii. Create a legible message or draw a diagram through the use of a pen or pencil
iii. Use a suitable keyboard or mouse
iv. Turn the pages of a book
v. Pick up and move a £1 coin (so as to put it into a slot in a machine/ box)
vi. Repeatedly press buttons, such as to dial a number on a telephone keypad
vii. Twist a lid or cap so as to open a jar or bottle.
viii. Carry out fine motor/ finger movement, such as to do up a button or tie a knot
b. To the extent that this is, without significant discomfort;
i. Impossible
ii. Very difficult
iii. Difficult
c. This is the case:
i. More than 75% of the time
ii. between 50% and 75% of the time
iii. between 25% and 50% of the time
5. Bladder/ bowel continence
a. Experiences unpredictable or recurrent loss of control leading to voiding of the bladder, extensive evacuation of the bowel or substantial leakage of the contents of a collecting device sufficient to require cleaning and a change of clothing and/or incontinence pads Or
b. Without immediate access# to a toilet, suitably modified where appropriate, would experience loss of control leading to voiding of the bladder, extensive evacuation of the bowel or substantial leakage of a collecting device sufficient to require cleaning and a change of clothing and/or incontinence pads;
c. Experiences significant discomfort due to the need to evacuate the bladder or bowel or risks losing control if not able quickly to reach a toilet, suitably modified where appropriate
And
c. This is the case:
i. Most of the time (more than 75%)
ii. Some of the time (between 50% and 75%)
iii. Occasionally (between 20% and 50%) PART 2
6. Learning Tasks
a. Is able to learn processes necessary to get a job and undertake tasks within it
b. Can learn tasks relevant to getting a job and to working;
i. with verbal or written instructions
ii. with guided practice
iii. Cannot even learn all necessary tasks
c. No longer requires support to repeat the task after;
i. one day
ii. one week
iii. one month
iv. Three months or more
7. Awareness of Hazards
a. Is fully aware of potential hazards
b. Without help and/or adjustments, risk(s) of injury to self or others, or of damage to property or possessions is likely to be;
i. Moderate
ii. Substantial
iii. Very substantial
c. The risks above are likely to arise;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
8. Maintaining Focus
a. Is able to maintain focus without difficulty
b. Due to poor memory or concentration, needs help and/or adjustments in
maintaining focus on;
i. Some tasks
ii. Most tasks
iii. All tasks
c. When working on the tasks concerned for;
i. Most of the day
ii. A few hours
iii. An hour or less
d. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
9. Executing Tasks
a. Has no difficulty executing even complex tasks
b. Needs additional time to complete;
i. Some tasks
ii. Most tasks
iii. All tasks
c. Such that the task would take;
i. A little longer
ii. Substantially longer
iii. Much longer
d. This is an issue;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
10. Managing Self and Schedule
a. Has no difficulties managing him/herself and his/her schedule
b. Because of difficulties in motivation or organisation, or distress, can only manage self and schedule to an acceptable standard with;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Cannot manage at all
c. For;
i. Short periods
ii. Much of the day
iii. All day
d. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
11. Coping with Change
a. Able to cope with minor planned changes to daily routine
b. Can only cope with minor planned changes to daily routine with;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Cannot cope at all
or
Can only cope with minor unplanned changes to daily routine with;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Cannot cope at all
c. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
12. Getting About
a. Able to get to familiar places
b. Because of distress or disorientation, can only get to familiar places with;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Cannot make journeys at all
or
Because of distress or disorientation, can only get to unfamiliar places with;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Cannot make journeys at all
c. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
13. Social Engagement
a. Is able to interact with people and engage socially
b. Because of difficulties interacting with others, anxiety, distress or other emotions, can only engage socially with;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Cannot engage socially at all
c. Difficulties in interaction and engagement occur with people
i. Unknown to the person
ii. Known to the person
iii. Familiar to the person
d. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
14. Appropriateness of Behaviour
a. Does not display behaviour which work colleagues would consider inappropriate
b. May display physically aggressive, verbally aggressive or socially inappropriate behaviour unless he/she has;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Behaviour not amenable to help or support
c. The nature of this behaviour tends to be;
i. Mild
ii. Moderate
iii. Severe
d. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not
15. Communicating with Others
a. Has no difficulties with communication or social understanding
b. In order to communicate and to show social understanding, needs;
i. Some help and/or adjustments
ii. Substantial help and/or adjustments
iii. Communication is not amenable to help or support
c. Needs help and/or adjustments during;
i. Some communication
ii. Most communication
iii. All communication
d. Needs help and/or adjustments for this;
i. Occasionally
ii. Frequently
iii. More often than not