Tom Clarke (Labour MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) tabled two questions for the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the subject of CFS and the Atos back-to-work assessments.
(1) how many individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome have been classified as Fit for Work under the Atos Back to Work assessments;
(2) how many individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome have been successful in appealing against a Fit for Work judgement under the Atos Fit for Work assessments.
They were answered on 19 June 2013 by DWP minister Mark Hoban, who wrote:
Information on chronic fatigue syndrome is not held, however we do hold information classified in two broader categories by the World Health Organisation International Categorisation of Diseases 2010. Note that the totals are likely to over-estimate the actual numbers with CFS, as these categories include unrelated conditions.
Of those that have had an initial work capability assessment on a new claim for employment and support allowance starting between October 2008 and August 2012, 9,900 had a primary condition in the broader categories which include CFS and were found fit for work. Of those starting their claim between October 2008 and February 2012, 2,100 had their fit for work decision overturned at appeal.
Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.