Tests firm told it must improve
The company carrying out controversial “fit for work” tests on disabled people has been told to improve its services, the Government announced.
Atos Healthcare has been directed to put in place a quality improvement plan following an audit by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which found an “unacceptable reduction” in the quality of its written reports.
New measures include retraining and re-evaluation of Atos employees, with those not meeting the required standard having their work audited until they do, or having their approval to carry out assessments withdrawn.
An urgent audit of around 400 reports was held following concerns raised about Atos, a French-run firm which is contracted on behalf of the DWP.