Grimsby man told he is fit to work despite blood clots, septicaemia and ulcers
DO you think this man looks fit for work?
Specialist doctors tell him he can't work. But doctors who decide who is entitled to benefits tell him he can.
James Major, 33, of Harold Street, Grimsby, says he has nearly died on three separate occasions after being forced to work when he felt he was unfit, and is now calling for changes in the way benefits are allocated.
His situation has led to Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell labelling the assessment system a "shambles" and urging him to appeal.
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Fisherman Mr Major suffers with blood clots and open ulcers which make walking painful and often cause him to be bed-bound.
He regularly has to travel to London for specialist medical care and has been told by professors at both Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals that he is unfit for work.
However, doctors who decide who is eligible for Employment and Support Allowances, deem Mr Major to be fit and healthy.
ESA, which is part of the Government's benefits scheme, provides financial help to people who are unable to work because of illness or disability.
Mr Major claims he is now in a no win situation where if he returns to work he will be risking his life.
He has been brought back to land from his job at sea twice since 2010 as a result of his condition, and each time, doctors said his life was in grave danger.
The father-of-three said: "The ulcers on my legs started three years after I scratched myself on a cement mixer.
"The cut got infected and I ended up with blood clots in my legs and lungs. I was in hospital and also got pneumonia and nearly died.
"I started claiming sick benefit because I obviously couldn't work.
"After this I went for a medical at the Job Centre and failed it, but the doctor there said I was fit enough to work. At the time I could only walk with crutches
"I was told that I would have to claim Job Seekers Allowance (JSA).
"But when I went to sign up for JSA, the staff there said I was clearly not able to work so I couldn't claim.
"I didn't have a choice but to go back to sea."
But being on his feet all the time only worsened his condition, and he went on to develop septicaemia.
After his second dash back to land, he tried to claim again, but was told the same as he was the previous time.
"I was advised to take legal action because of the situation and we won at a tribunal.
"I was ecstatic and we also got some money backdated."
Although the situation was resolved for a few months, Mr Major then had to go for a routine medical review which once again deemed him fit for work.
He added: "But I failed the medical and I am now back at square one.
"I now have to appeal again like the first time round.
"There needs to be a change in the way the system is run because I now have the choice of either not going to work and not be able to live or go and risk dying."
Austin Mitchell, MP for Grimsby, said the ESA assessment system is proving to be a "shambles".
He added: "I would advise this gentleman to appeal the decision and to get in touch with me as soon as possible so that I can advise him.
"A lot of appeals against ESA are being successful, which suggests there is something wrong with the assessment system.
"The problem is that even once the ESA has been granted, people are having a long wait for the money they are entitled to."
Comments
by Steve_McQ
Sunday, April 29 2012, 11:47PM
“by jack_knifeSunday, April 29 2012, 7:01PM
"martyohyes and Steve _McQ,
Because I agree that a couple of posts should be removed, does NOT mean that I was instrumental in (rightly, in my opinion) getting them removed."
Reporting abuse is not a 'team effort' and it tends to be you that complains a lot, especially when anyone dares to criticize your beloved Liebour Party.
Anyways, stick to the story before it goes completely off topic.”
by Steve_McQ
Sunday, April 29 2012, 5:29PM
“Yeah Jack likes to run to teacher and get yer posts removed, it probably makes him feel empowered.
Now back to the story - its pretty obvious this guy is some kind of current or former smack head. How come the tax payer (yet again) gets to pay for his poor life choices when old folks get left on trolleys for hours waiting to die.
Something is completely messed up.”
by martyohyes
Sunday, April 29 2012, 2:49PM
“20 comments 15 removed lol to you jack knife the lad is scum FACT”
by tarkley
Sunday, April 29 2012, 11:48AM
“the criteria were a)can you climb two stairs & b) can you lift a bag of sugar.have they changed? & marcus,why the snidey comment?”
by YourDownfall
Sunday, April 29 2012, 11:26AM
“The medication on that table is for treating Hepatitis B and C. Injecting yourself with dirty needles and heroin a contributory factor. What can you expect. He's lucky to be alive by all acounts, though I'm not sure for how long judging by the mess he's in”
by 10f4pontoon
Sunday, April 29 2012, 11:00AM
“Again a genuine working family man falling foul of this rotten governments policies.”
by railuser
Sunday, April 29 2012, 9:00AM
“go to paris come back plead asylum benefits guaranteed”
by kenward
Sunday, April 29 2012, 7:46AM
“This is what happens when we allow politicians to have an influence in areas that have absolutely no clue about.
It is quite clear that this man has a serious medical condition and as such must be considered vulnerable. The Benefits agency which is supposed to protect and provide for vulnerable people is now run with the cold heartedness of a cost accountant, because the whole system has been politicized by the empty suits in Westminster. These idiots should have NO input whatsoever in things that are important. NHS, pensions etc should be looked after by competent professionals not by retards with their own agenda.
I sincerely hope this man gets the help, provision and care he so badly needs. He is why we pay our taxes and National Insurance every week /month, not to provide for the ***********s who administer these schemes.
If you visit the Conservative party website there is a link to email the Prime Minister's office directly. Why don't you all send the oily slimeball a message telling him about this poor man. Cameron is such a creepy little **** that he'll change any ruling if he thinks there's a vote in it.”
by 4caster
Saturday, April 28 2012, 9:36PM
“The first stage in getting an allowance is to complete a form. Some of the questions are devious, and invite the unwary to understate the problem.
For example: "Do you need help to go upstairs?" Someone without legs might answer "No". Why answer no? Because the bed has been brought downstairs, or the claimant lives in a bungalow. If the question were reversed, e.g. "Can you climb stairs without help?" the claimant would correctly answer "No".
My advice would be to get professional help in completing the forms - not expensive lawyers, but Citizens' Advice Bureaux, or experts who offer advisory services to trade unions or associations or charities for the disabled.”
by parryman
Saturday, April 28 2012, 5:19PM
“this situation has arose indeed because the goverment has plans to reduce the amount of people claiming sickness benefit and disability.then 500million contract awarded to the french company atos health care by the lib dems and conservative goverment ensures that in what ever way they will either reduce or even eliminate disability benefits the more they get off it the better the bonuses.so its not about being fit for work its about financial cut backs.these test as i understand it will be catrried forward to dla as well very soon .its a shame indeed that people like this gentleman has his disability withdrawn whilst the conservative lib dem goverment give large tax cuts to the rich .shame indeed that people on here use these forums to pit fun and rudeness at others that post but im sure that only shows the arrogence of there lack of understanding on situations this person finds himself in .the mp is right appeal as a majority of atos assesments get overturned at the appeal stage so please do this without fail c a b im sure will help in the appeal.”