Company accused of manslaughter recruits in Union

A company accused of the manslaughter of disabled people was found recruiting students on campus during Disability Awareness Week (DAW).

Atos, the government-appointed company which assesses the capability of disabled people to work, has been accused of “ruthlessly” pressurising the sick and disabled into employment.

Disability campaigners say the company’s tests for people on disability allowances are “damaging and distressing” and have led to suicides.

Students were dismayed to see the company recruiting in the atrium on Wednesday 23 January during a week dedicated to raising awareness of disabilities.

Reports suggest a protest in the atrium saw students throw anti-Atos flyers at the company’s representatives. Atos allegedly left early after feeling threatened.

Andrew Thompson, president of recently-launched Warwick Enable, told the Boar it was a “shock” to see Atos in the Atrium.

He said: “In my opinion, it was a horrible coincidence that Atos were invited right in the middle of [DAW].

“The frank and open apology from the SU… read out at the start of Disabled Issues Question Time highlighted this. I am sure they would never be allowed to advertise in DAW again.”

Warwick SU has since said they will not be having any business arrangements with Atos until a potential ban is discussed at the next All Student Meeting.

Democracy officer at Warwick SU, Cosmo March, commented: “Students expressed concerns about Atos recruiting in the Union.

“The outcome of this will most likely be that students will put forward a motion to add Atos to the Boycott List to the next All Student Meeting which will then be voted upon.

“Out of respect for our members, the Union will not be having any business arrangements with Atos until the outcome of the meeting.”

A spokesperson for Atos told the Boar: “We very much value the work we have done to date with Warwick University and would hope that for the benefit of the students, this can continue well into the future.

“Atos Healthcare…has been carrying out medical assessments for benefits on behalf of the DWP for more than 13 years for different disability benefits. .

“We are clearly very aware that these assessments can be difficult for those involved and invest a great deal of time and resource in training and reviewing the work of our medical professionals to ensure that those assessed are treated both professionally and compassionately.”

Disability officer at Warwick SU, Sam Fry, commented: “I’m glad the SU have apologised and I will be bringing forward a motion to the next [All Student Meeting] that will add Atos to the banned list.”

The company has been at the centre of the national row over disability benefit cuts. Michael Meacher MP told the House of Commons last month that 1,300 people had died after being place in a “work-related activity group”, for those too ill to be in a job but expected to take steps to return to employment.

He added that 2,200 died before assessments were completed.

Conservative Robert Halfon also criticised Atos, saying: “As a major contractor, they have repeatedly failed to inspire confidence and they need shaking up.”