A protest against ATOS (back to work tests) due to take place in Strabane tomorrow has the support of SDLP MLA Joe Byrne.
SDLP MLA Joe Byrne.
The demonstration is due to take place at the town’s Social Security Agency office at 1030am.
Mr Byrne said welfare claimants and the “many vulnerable” and disabled people “being abused” by the system had his full support, adding it was the SDLP’S “firm belief” that ATOS “is not fit for purpose.”
He added: “Whilst we do not support abuse of the system, we will not allow a system which abuses people.
“Recent statistics have added further weight to the argument that ATOS assessments are completely flawed and abusing vulnerable and disabled people, a massive one in four ‘fit for work’ decisions by ATOS is overturned at tribunal.
The Department of Work and Pensions own statistics published 9th July 2012 show that in total, between January 2011 and November 2011 10,600 claimants across England, Scotland and the North of Ireland died within 6 weeks of being declared fit for work by Atos Mr Byrne said”
“Abuses of vulnerable people are not acceptable and must not be tolerated. Tomorrows protest is necessary to highlight the failures of ‘Fit For Work’ tests, carried out on our sick and disabled benefit claimants.
“The current assessment procedures pressured on vulnerable people is nothing less than a cruel and insensitive victimisation of disabled people by ATOS and a British Coalition Government which is out of touch with ordinary people.”
Mr Byrne concluded: “The SDLP will continue to challenge the system and defend our vulnerable people.”
Tags:
