Can I refuse to see ATOS?

[venger]

I am currently on the sick with a mental health problem. I've seen my GP and he has given me a 2 week paper. The same day it was put in (This Friday) my DOM phoned and left a message I needed to contact him so he can refer me to ATOS.
Will I get in trouble if I refuse to see ATOS?
This isn't a physical problem, like bad knees or a back, but I'm off with a mental health issue.

This isn't helping matters.

[General Mannerheim]

The short answer is yes.
But then the manager would have to make a decision on what your off work with is and the fecker isn't medically trained so he will probably try and bully you back into work, he might even stop your pay,if your DOM refers you to Atos you can explain your mental health problem to them and they should offer you support,in reality it's often just to get you back to work as soon as possible but there are some good Atos people about(just I've never had one ) my advice would be give them a go they will only do a telephone interview anyway if you don't like their tone put the phone down.

[venger]

Thank you for the reply.
I know it's just a 'get back to work as soon as possible' exercise. It's sickening. I'm not off work by choice.
I'll get back in touch with the DOM and get the number and talk to ATOS.
2 weeks is hardly a long time. It's not as if I put a paper in for 2 months.

[Brain Fury]

I think it's pretty standard practice to refer any absence due to mental health issues to Atos precisely because managers aren't medically trained. In my experience, I spoke to a nurse adviser on the phone and she was very good in offering support if I wanted it. There was no pressure to get me back to work before I was ready. To be honest they were more supportive than I had expected. When I was ready to return they helped me agree a programme of gradually increased hours with my manager.

[venger]

Ok I'll keep it in mind. Just heard so many horror stories here about how clueless ATOS is and I've worked for RM for enough years that I don't trust them one bit.

[phronsias]

Ok I'll keep it in mind. Just heard so many horror stories here about how clueless ATOS is and I've worked for RM for enough years that I don't trust them one bit.

Hi
Ive had dealings with Atos in the past, all bad I must say, when my IBS flared up last year I was referred to Atos and to my complete surprise Atos supports me and this isn't what my Dom wants. So give atos a try.

[JaneM]

Of course you can refuse,however my strong advice is not to do so as i have found ATOS supportive in such circumstances and their reports often make the manager tread warily and with more sensitivity.

[venger]

Thanks everyone for their replies.
I do find it very upsetting that my manager has alreay asked me to call him so he can refer me to ATOS after less than 1 day.
I'd understand if this was ongoing and it had been a second sick paper I had put in or I had been off work with the same problem before, but I never have and I have no history of mental health issues.
I'd also prefer NOT to talk to my manager as he's a a waste of flesh and a horrible person with no people skills at all.
Can I bypass my manager and just talk to ATOS without having to speak to this cretin?

[Pinky 1]

I'd also prefer NOT to talk to my manager as he's a a waste of flesh and a horrible person with no people skills at all.
Can I bypass my manager and just talk to ATOS without having to speak to this cretin?

The referral to ATOS will have to come from your manager. Phone him and agree to speak to ATOS, that's all you have to tell him.

[Chelseablue]

Why o why have a lot of these managers ,not got any people to people skills at all ,it's shocking .

[Lounge Lizard]

ATOS were more help to me than I could have expected.
Also they suggested a certain phased return to work which I rejected and they then accepted my suggestion which was passed to my manager and that's what happened when I returned

[venger]

OK I guess I'll have to phone the DOM on Monday and ask for the referral and the number. I'll just ignore any questions he has and say that it's a private matter I do not wish to discuss with him.
I really am shocked that they refer you to ATOS so quickly. As if my GP is wrong and the ATOS people know more than him.

[Jamesethefirst]

OK I guess I'll have to phone the DOM on Monday and ask for the referral and the number. I'll just ignore any questions he has and say that it's a private matter I do not wish to discuss with him.
I really am shocked that they refer you to ATOS so quickly. As if my GP is wrong and the ATOS people know more than him.

You don't self refer, it is your manager that has to phone them,they then make damn appointment to speak to you,yes they are a complete waste of time,however,you do not want to find yourself in the position of having your pay stopped ,because you didn't' comply with the rules of the game. Remember it is their game and their rules, just play along, they will probably just expect you to stay under the care of your G.P. anyway as ATOS know the square root of sod all anyway.

[aiden01]

OK I guess I'll have to phone the DOM on Monday and ask for the referral and the number. I'll just ignore any questions he has and say that it's a private matter I do not wish to discuss with him.
I really am shocked that they refer you to ATOS so quickly. As if my GP is wrong and the ATOS people know more than him.

You don't self refer, it is your manager that has to phone them,they then make damn appointment to speak to you,yes they are a complete waste of time,however,you do not want to find yourself in the position of having your pay stopped ,because you didn't' comply with the rules of the game. Remember it is their game and their rules, just play along, they will probably just expect you to stay under the care of your G.P. anyway as ATOS know the square root of sod all anyway.

have never had a problem with atos always very courteousand helpful.

[venger]

Sounds more positive than negative. I'll find out soon enough I guess.
Thanks all.