A toxic political atmosphere and multiple death threats have resulted in Atos Healthcare moving to leave its disability and sickness assessment contract early.

Repeated death threats to Atos assessment staff and criticism from members of parliament have resulted in a statement from the French outsourcing firm.

“For several months now we have been endeavouring to agree an early exit from the contract, which is due to expire in August 2015.”

So far 163 incidents have been reported involving assault or abuse against staff, however despite the negative publicity surrounding the contract, the company achieved £700 in revenues from work in the public sector.

“In its current form it is not working for claimants, for DWP or for Atos Healthcare,” Atos said.

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