JIM ELLIOTT suffered a massive heart attack a day after his 20-minute work capability assessment during which he had complained of chest pains and struggling to breathe. He was still deemed fit to work.
A DAD who started feeling seriously unwell during his interview with Atos assessors – and suffered a massive heart attack the next day – has been deemed fit to work.
Jim Elliott says he was struggling to breathe, sweating and had chest pains during his 20-minute work capability assessment earlier this month.
He was given a glass of water – but then the assessors simply pressed on with the interview.
The 55-year-old said yesterday: “All they seemed to care about was getting through the ridiculous list of questions they have, which is supposed to determine whether someone is fit to work or not.
“I could have dropped down dead in front of them but all they are interested in is getting people off benefits.”
The controversial assessments by the French IT firm are part of a benefits shake-up by the Con-Dem Government, who are looking to cut billions from the welfare bill.
Former welder Jim, who had worked all his adult life until he suffered a heart attack 18 months ago, said: “It was very clear that I wasn’t 100 per cent.
“I was sweating profusely, my breath was very laboured and I had been confused during the interview.
“I wasn’t able to concentrate on a lot of what they were saying.
