Atos Referral

[Charlie99]

I have been contacted by the Dom while off sick for "work related stress" and he wants to refer me to Atos. I have had dealings in the past with this organisation and dont believe they offer me any kind of help or assistance. I told the Dom that I didn't wish to talk to them at present as I am only 3 days into a 2 week signed off sick absence. At what point can the Dom insist that I do?

[rehabron]

I have been contacted by the Dom while off sick for "work related stress" and he wants to refer me to Atos. I have had dealings in the past with this organisation and dont believe they offer me any kind of help or assistance. I told the Dom that I didn't wish to talk to them at present as I am only 3 days into a 2 week signed off sick absence. At what point can the Dom insist that I do?

Difficult one. As you are off with a GP medical certificate stating work related stress you could argue that your previous experience with ATOS would only increase the stress. However I assume that you are on full wages while off sick and if that is the case then RM has the right to refer you to ATOS ( Now OH Assist) their occupational health provider for an assessment of your ability to perform your duty and reason for your work related stress.

[Charlie99]

Thanks Ron.

I am covered by the EA act for an unrelated disability but it seems that any sickness absence I incur (2 accidents occurring at work) is rewarded with a referral to ATOS (I've had 2 face to face meetings and numerous phone interviews) whereas colleagues with similar complaints haven't. I'm puzzled by this inconsistency and the only conclusion I have come up with is that they see my disability as some kind of long term attendance threat.

I'm persistantly asked by ATOS whether I would consider IHR but have dodged the bullet to date. May I add that I am not currently on any stage warning.

[rehabron]

Thanks Ron.

I am covered by the EA act for an unrelated disability but it seems that any sickness absence I incur (2 accidents occurring at work) is rewarded with a referral to ATOS (I've had 2 face to face meetings and numerous phone interviews) whereas colleagues with similar complaints haven't. I'm puzzled by this inconsistency and the only conclusion I have come up with is that they see my disability as some kind of long term attendance threat.

I'm persistantly asked by ATOS whether I would consider IHR but have dodged the bullet to date. May I add that I am not currently on any stage warning.

Tks for reply but would find it difficult to refuse a referral to ATOS if company is paying your full wages when off. Your attendance record is not questionable so IHR is not an option at present unless you wish to make it an issue. Some colleagues are forever being referred to ATOS while others seem for some reason to be able to avoid this. Yes RM is inconsistent in dealing with certain people but that is the nature and culture of the business which through your own experience you will be well aware of.

[gluteus maximus]

As a rule i would think that the business is bang out of order. If you condition continues after a 7 day self certification, then that will be a different matter and a refusal to attend occupational health assessment will be ill advised.

For all the manager knows you will be back at work in a few days

I feel a referal to occupational health in this instance to be premature and not warranted in the first 7 days of self certification

[Brain Fury]

It's normal to refer any case involving stress etc to Atos. Particularly if it is work related.

I was referred for anxiety and depression although not work related. I had a telephone interview with a nurse and we discussed the issues and treatment. She was quite happy and that was it until I was ready to come back to work when they helped arrange part-time hours for the first 2 or 3 weeks.

I would imagine that if the cause of your stress is work related it would be sensible of RM to see what can be done to tackle the root cause so that it does not reoccur. Surely you would expect that?

[jack]

I would imagine that if the cause of your stress is work related it would be sensible of RM to see what can be done to tackle the root cause so that it does not reoccur. Surely you would expect that?

Of course it would be very sensible, however, my misgivings with royal mail tell me they don't do sensible

[Brain Fury]

I would imagine that if the cause of your stress is work related it would be sensible of RM to see what can be done to tackle the root cause so that it does not reoccur. Surely you would expect that?

Of course it would be very sensible, however, my misgivings with royal mail tell me they don't do sensible

Well one thing is for sure, they aren't going to be able to unless they refer the issue to Atos

[jack]

Well one thing is for sure, they aren't going to be able to unless they refer the issue to Atos

Me personally have found Atos to be quite accommodating, they understood my needs and made recommendations...only for them to be ignored by royal mail

[Charlie99]

the Management ARE the route cause of my work related stress and I can assure you I'm not being referred for my benefit.The B&H penaltys awarded against them are an insult considering the systematic abuse they inflict upon their victims and not worth the effort involved in bringing a case against them. The only satisfaction you get is the knowledge that their bonus is threatened and the probability that they're struggling to complete your "easy" duty while you're off.

[coxie]

My friend had a similar case and he found atos were quite good and didn't put anymore pressure on him, give it a go they won't just let you sit there and do nothing. Eventually you'll have to go through atos unless you inform your manager you won't be off that long. They pay you for sick so you have to give a little.

[Son Of God]

Thanks Ron.

I am covered by the EA act for an unrelated disability but it seems that any sickness absence I incur (2 accidents occurring at work) is rewarded with a referral to ATOS (I've had 2 face to face meetings and numerous phone interviews) whereas colleagues with similar complaints haven't. I'm puzzled by this inconsistency and the only conclusion I have come up with is that they see my disability as some kind of long term attendance threat.

I'm persistantly asked by ATOS whether I would consider IHR but have dodged the bullet to date. May I add that I am not currently on any stage warning.

ATOS will only ask if you would consider IHR because your DOM has prompted them to do so.

You can use an ATOS referral to your own advantage. Just make sure you answer in full, making sure you cover everything. Do not leave any opening for your DOM to extract and misinterpret to his own advantage!