Thanks to UKUncut's handy map we discovered that Atos have an office in Oxford. It seemed a shame not to pay them a visit. And with only 2 days notice, it was impressive that 15 people turned up.
We mainly stood outside carrying placards and giving out leaflets. Some were of famous people who'd experienced illhealth and disabilities, with comments such as "I tried to get to my assessment but...I couldn't get up the stairs". Others remembered Atos victims such as George (Daily Mirror February 16th 2011) Larry Newman (Guardian 24th July 2011).
Since this was somewhat spontaneous there was some discussion about trying to get in the offices. We decided in the end to stand outside, though we did ask politely if they'd let us in to speak to them. (No, not possible & then not without an appointment.)
A woman and a friend came for her appointment whilst we were waiting. It was clear that they were completely confused as to why they were there, or what it was about. When they left they said she had to come back another day, though she was still none the wiser. At least their appointment was in a groundfloor room, eh.
Several people stopped to talk to us, and generally were receptive to the message. The police came out of the station to say hello. We explained why they were there, and pointed out that if they or any of their friends were injured in the line of duty, it could be them facing Atos assessments. They seemed receptive to this idea and watched from the other side of the road.
We ended with a bit of chanting outside their assessment room, "Why do people have to die, to keep Atos profits high? and agreed next time we'd be more organised.
Sad that Atos have an office in Oxford, but glad we know where it is now. We WILL be back.
We mainly stood outside carrying placards and giving out leaflets. Some were of famous people who'd experienced illhealth and disabilities, with comments such as "I tried to get to my assessment but...I couldn't get up the stairs". Others remembered Atos victims such as George (Daily Mirror February 16th 2011) Larry Newman (Guardian 24th July 2011).
Since this was somewhat spontaneous there was some discussion about trying to get in the offices. We decided in the end to stand outside, though we did ask politely if they'd let us in to speak to them. (No, not possible & then not without an appointment.)
A woman and a friend came for her appointment whilst we were waiting. It was clear that they were completely confused as to why they were there, or what it was about. When they left they said she had to come back another day, though she was still none the wiser. At least their appointment was in a groundfloor room, eh.
Several people stopped to talk to us, and generally were receptive to the message. The police came out of the station to say hello. We explained why they were there, and pointed out that if they or any of their friends were injured in the line of duty, it could be them facing Atos assessments. They seemed receptive to this idea and watched from the other side of the road.
We ended with a bit of chanting outside their assessment room, "Why do people have to die, to keep Atos profits high? and agreed next time we'd be more organised.
Sad that Atos have an office in Oxford, but glad we know where it is now. We WILL be back.