Cumbernauld MP welcomes news NHS to take over DLA tests

The private company was blasted by campaigners who branded the fitness tests carried on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions to assess ‘work capability’ for people receiving incapacity benefits as ‘humiliating’ for sick and disabled claimants. Now the firm has announced that Salus, an arm’s length organisation of NHS Lanarkshire will be responsible for the fitness tests of Disability Living Allowance claimants who are to be moved on to the new Personal Independence Payment benefit next year.

Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East MP McClymont said: “Finally Atos have realised that the public have lost all trust in them. I have spoken to numerous worried constituents over the past year who have been unfairly treated by Atos, so I know how much of a relief this will be for those currently receiving Disability Living Allowance. Disabled people will now be able to meet face-to-face with local healthcare professionals in their own communities: they will be assessed by NHS staff in NHS facilities – where healthcare rightfully belongs.”