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Thousands of people with disabilities are being denied benefits because of inaccurate medical reports it has been claimed, writes Clare Jerrom.

A new report from national disability charity DIAL UK claimed people are missing out on benefits for several reasons, including discrimination against those from ethnic minority groups, and with mental health problems as well as a lack of responsiveness in the complaints system.

DIAL UK director Andy Short said: "Disabled people are entitled to a fair and effective assessment of their entitlement to disability benefits. The failures of the present system of medical examinations mean that many disabled people are facing a further slip into poverty through loss of income."

The report claims inadequate or inaccurate reports lead to wrong benefit decisions, causing financial hardship, and often a lengthy, stressful and costly appeals process.

Medical reports have been contracted out to the private sector company the SEMA Group since 1998. But the social security select committee said in April 2000 there had not been any improvements in the quality of reports or examinations since then.

‘A Bitter Pill: Medical Services failing Disabled People’ is available from 01302 310123 or email: socialpolicy@dialuk.org.uk