CarerWatch forum up after Atos libel threat

Privateer Atos Healthcare, hired by the government to carry out "fit for work" assessments on disabled people claiming employment support allowance, contacted CarerWatch forum's internet service provider last week over alleged libels on the site.

The forum's US host was not prepared to risk keeping the site online, even though CarerWatch was not told which posts were libellous.

Public outcry from campaigners and disabled people who had lost the means to express their concerns about the government's attack on their benefits put pressure on Atos to contact CarerWatch to specify what post was allegedly at fault.

CarerWatch has now removed the post in question the forum and is back online.

CarerWatch co-founder Frances Kelly told Atos: "We were surprised to see that this post was not written by a member of CarerWatch but is merely a link to an article on another site. We were also surprised when we followed the link to see that the original article is still visible on the site of origin.

"We cannot understand why you would take this matter up with us when your dispute is with the authors of the linked article. We feel like collateral damage in this.

"CarerWatch are pleased that the original CarerWatch forum has now been reinstated and that Atos has undertaken that in future they will settle any dispute with us in a more sensible manner.

"So as far as CarerWatch is concerned this matter is now settled. We recognise for some groups their battles continue."

A spokeswoman for Atos added it will bring any future concerns directly to CarerWatch.