Firestormm
Senior Member
- Messages
- 5,055
- Location
- Cornwall England
Morning
Y'all are probably aware of the ongoing work that has been taking place between several representatives of ME organisations, other groups representing fluctuating conditions (and mental health charities) and the DWP to try and change the current WCA to make it fairer and more relevant.
These - largely unsung efforts - are bearing fruit. At the recent Forward ME Group meeting, the following was revealed by way of progress:
So it looks to me like they will be trialling these new assessment methods, and then the results will be analysed by a host of experts.
I thought the attempt to define 'work' is also a positive move. Hadn't encountered that one before and it should be part of any assessment i.e. can this person actually work for 16 hours a week.
Of course I suppose it then means they would be looking at a 'model job'. Any thoughts?
Y'all are probably aware of the ongoing work that has been taking place between several representatives of ME organisations, other groups representing fluctuating conditions (and mental health charities) and the DWP to try and change the current WCA to make it fairer and more relevant.
These - largely unsung efforts - are bearing fruit. At the recent Forward ME Group meeting, the following was revealed by way of progress:
1. WCA Evidence Based Review (EBR) – sent in by Dr Charles Shepherd
· Fluctuating conditions group (FCG) and mental health group (MHG) working well together – meeting quite regularly, including a visit to DWP to meet Mark Hoban MP on April 30 to discuss benefit concerns
· EBR Scrutiny Group is being chaired by Professor Malcolm Harrington
· Dr Paul Litchfield – Chief Medical Officer at BT – appointed in his place. Will carry out 4th and 5th reviews of WCA. FCG and MHG asked for a meeting with him when we were with Mark Hoban. Possible invite to Forward ME?
· EBR about to start in Atos examination centres in Manchester and Newcastle
· 1000 claimants with a wide variety of conditions will be assessed over the next few months – approx. 100 cases per week
· Aim to include significant numbers from those represented by FCG and MHG – especially less common conditions like PD; Booster Groups
· Participation is voluntary
· Two assessments – first is the current WCA followed by the one produced by FCG and MHG
· Fitness for work in these cases will be also be assessed by 30-40 Expert Panels consisting of doctors, occupational health experts, physiotherapists etc – nearest DWP can get to ‘Gold Standard’
· EP decisions will be quality assured by a smaller number of Quality Assurance Panels with condition specific expertise ME/CFS??
· But ……..we have concerns about some of the information and guidance being given to the Expert Panels
· Fitness to Work
· Positive: There has been movement in defining what constitutes fitness for work – must be able to work at least 16 hours per week and for majority of the time – which is based on JSA
· Concern: about the way in which various ‘reasonable adjustments’ to work could be producing an over-optimistic decision on capability to work
Eg: Use of ‘Disability Leave’ which is good practice but not legally enforceable under to 2010
Equality Act, as well as working from home
· Further concern: Not bringing in the ability to travel to/from work – still trying to get this inserted
· Aim is to publish interim report/results in August and recommendations in early 2014
14 May 2013 Forward ME Group Minutes.
So it looks to me like they will be trialling these new assessment methods, and then the results will be analysed by a host of experts.
I thought the attempt to define 'work' is also a positive move. Hadn't encountered that one before and it should be part of any assessment i.e. can this person actually work for 16 hours a week.
Of course I suppose it then means they would be looking at a 'model job'. Any thoughts?