Written question asked by Tom Greatrex (Labour) on Thursday, 15 September 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 October 2011. It was answered by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 October 2011 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Atos Healthcare: Manpower

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 7 September 2011, Official Report, column 681W, on Atos Healthcare: manpower, whether approved healthcare professionals carrying out work capability assessments who are under investigation by the General Medical Council for misconduct other than professional misconduct may continue to carry out work capability assessments whilst being investigated.

Answer: The General Medical Council and Atos Healthcare do not differentiate between professional and other misconduct.he term ““professional misconduct”” in the previous response refers to cases that the GMC considers require investigation into potentially serious concerns (Stream 1 referrals).It should be noted, however, that there are many cases (for Atos it is the majority) where the General Medical Council would not consider that the allegations, even if proven, would require them to take formal action. They refer these cases to the doctor's employer or contracting body so that they can consider what action, if any, they should take (Stream 2 referrals).

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 72713; 533 c344-5W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Work Capability Assessment: Atos Healthcare
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Staff Atos Healthcare
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk