Will job adviser idea work for you?

From Dr Susanna Timmins

Ramsgate, Kent

Your article on referral to jobs advisers (News, 3 December) interested me because I have always had an interest in encouraging my patients back to work as soon as possible. We all receive incapacity-for-work forms to fill in about people who are ill for prolonged periods, but two patients spring to mind who are high on my frustration list.

Year after year after year I have stated that I can see no reason why they should not work and do not know why they are on incapacity benefit.

Despite my statement, a short time later I receive standard letters stating that these patients meet the criteria for continued incapacity benefit. Which criteria? I have requested medical reviews by form RM7, and nothing ­ to my knowledge ­ has happened.

So, I am all in favour of referring people to a jobs adviser ­ if we have one available ­ but will anyone take any notice?