Disability Discrimination Act - Refused access to DWP building!

[humpy07]

I am currently using a wheelchair, as my mobility is very limited at the moment due to nerve damage. Earlier this week I had to attend a medical assessment with the DWP (conducted by ATOS Healthcare) at their office in Carmarthen.

My wife accompanied me into the office which was on the second floor of the building. The secretary buzzed us into the office and then proceeded to tell us that I would have to leave the building as I was considered a HAZARD! Apparently the fire exits weren't safe enough for disabled people, and that I was to be escorted out immediately.

I could not believe the treatment I received, especially considering the whole purpose of this office was to assess people for Disability Living Allowance!!

Has anyone else experienced similar treatment from a Government office or any other building?

I am planning to complain, but with MP's being non-existent at the moment I'm not sure who would be the best target.

Thanks in advance

[DrFilth]

unbelievable you could not make that up, crazy, i wish you luck

[ttfn]

Hi humpy - I am sure any national paper would love to hear from you for a start.You could also try your local Citizen's Advice Bureau. You can make a complaint direct to the DWP - just ask them for their official form to do so. It is incredible how a government department can treat members of the public - heaven help us all. Good luck.

[ttfn]

Try this link for some contact details humpy:-
http://www.officeford...uk/contacts/index.php

[Buenchico]

TTFN has beaten me to it with that excellent link.

However you might like to hear of my own experiences with a private sector company working for a Government department:
Several years ago, during a long period of unemployment, I applied for a job as a counsellor with a private sector company with a Government contract to support the long-term unemployed. The interviewer told me that an important part of my role, if I got the job, would be to encourage long-term unemployed people to ensure that they always got prompt and informative feedback from any job interviews that they might attend. He repeatedly told me that their company considered it absolutely vital that job applicants should receive such feedback. During my lengthy interview with him he returned to this point time and time again.

After that interview I hoped I'd got the job but, if not, I looked forward to receiving the prompt and detailed feedback which the company earnestly believed that people like me must always receive. Ten months later I finally received a two line letter which simply stated that I'd not got the job!

Chris

[humpy07]

Thanks ttfn... that website linked me to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which has loads of info. I will definitely look into the newspaper side of things, as there was another story recently in the Daily Mail about ATOS.

Wyzard... ATOS have a disgusting reputation. Apparently, their Qualified Medical staff get paid a bonus of £300 for each person they 'deem fit for work'!

[lucca]

Slightly different - my experience was with Jobcentre Plus re Incapacity benefit. I was walking with 2 sticks - just about - they directed me to flight of stairs which I explained would be really difficult. Their solution was to have a security guard accompany me! When we finally staggered to the top, he said "Not my place to say, but you should insist on using the lift to come down. The staff all do." !!!!!

[brenda]

lucca - your post made me cry.A disgusting situation.Why are people so very cruel to others.? Just find it impossible to comprehend.Best of luck in all you do in the future.

[sara3]

humpy, I work for the DWP and this is outrageous. you should contact Leigh Lewis, Permanent Secretary, and let us know how you get on.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk...anagement/#leighlewis

[humpy07]

Hi Sara,

Thanks so much for that contact. Knowing who to complain to is always the hardest part!

I'll get a letter off to him tomorrow, and as soon as I hear anything back, I'll post a response here.

Thanks again everyone for your answers.

Humpy