ATOS and the ESA CLAIMANT ASSESSMENT PROCESS

I think I've worked out how the ATOS ESA Claim Assessment works. It goes something like this:

1. If the claimant is smart, they check out the ATOS website ATOS Healthcare UK.com, read the notes on  'What A Claimant Can Expect' and then jump through hoops to complete the forms and get supporting documentation from the relevant medical personnel, in the hope that a face-to-face assessment will be deemed unnecessary.
2. ATOS ignore everything included in/with the forms, other than the tick boxes, and call the claimant in for a face-to-face assessment as a matter of course.
3. Irrespective of the information contained in/with the completed forms, ATOS declare the claimant fit for work (see ATOS Miracles) and now - here's the important bit!
4. The Government cuts the claimant's benefit by a minimum of £30.00 per week
5. ATOS are paid for declaring the claimant fit to work
6. The claimant appeals ATOS's decision and - in 70% of cases - (ThePotterBlogger - A LibDem's View) is eventually successful
7. The claimant's benefit is increased again BUT
8. ATOS keep their original fee
9. The claimant doesn't get back the money they lost during the appeal process.

Conclusion - ATOS get a fat fee for not doing their job properly and the Government saves approximately £30.00 per week, per claimant, for the duration of the appeal process.   Must add up to a tidy sum when you consider the numbers involved ...

What an inventive way for the Government to make money out of the most vulnerable people in Society and at the same time keep a FRENCH company in gainful employment ...