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IDS and Osborne will conspire to move the goalposts and ensure that fewer people qualify for unconditional support.

Mark my words.

Wheelie said...

I dunno. I'm taking this with a hefty pinch of salt. It sounds good on the surface, and yeh, it's getting publicity.

But it's surely a quango?

The important bit isn't the money so much as the very, very quiet, not leaked to any of the 'benefit scrounging brigade' press, admission by the DWP of a massive balls up. The kind of balls up that *should* lead to James Purnell making a full apology on newsnight. It probably won't happen...but it should!

TrulyMadly said...

The numbers are set to rise? Does that mean they are planning to get rid of the incompetent ATOS that judges virtually everyone fit to work then?

Anonymous said...

What 'unconditional support' is that then? Thought once you were in the Support Group you were just left to rot .... am I missing something?

Bill Kruse said...

I wouldn't say it's been a complete disaster. In terms of transfering money, public money, taxpayer money, from the public purse to a giant private conmpany from which we're unlikely ever to retrieve it, it's been a resounding succuss. Consider, the science behind these assessments is non-existent so there was never any medical basis for them. What was their purpose then? Theft from the public purse is my view and the collars should be being felt of everyone involved, Carol Black, Chris Grayling, IDS, whoever it was signed the original contracts with Atos et al.

Anonymous said...


Your first setence summed it up wonderfully. Currently reading Naomi Klein's The Shock Dotrine. If anyone is wondering WTF the government are up to, then I recommend it. It will even give you an insight into what's coming next!

Anonymous said...

I have got Acaerd Communication Hydrocephalus and learning difficulties and heart mummer i have applyed for ESA in August got the assement phrase on the 2/8/2011 in Sept i had to fill in a medical questionair then in November i had my medical

I am still waiting for weather i am in the support group or the work related group

Anonymous said...

I Have Dandy Walker Syndrome and Hydrocaphulus (water on the brain) I find it hard to comunicate with people, had numerouse of jobs but lost them because of my behaviour this illness courses, not saying I want to be on my bum for the rest of my life, I've been put on the WRAG yet still stuggling! I do think its wrong to get rid of esa for people that struggle, fall behind on payments, ect! For me that has panic attacks everynight knowing I'd have no money, can't get a job due to my illness, its a bugger!! Its not our fault our countrys gone down hill, its the banks!! If they didn't give money out to every tom dick and harry then we wouldn't be in this mess!!!