A company paid millions by the government to carry out disability assessments held a Christmas party breaking Covid rules.
Some 15 members of staff – mainly doctors, nurses and physios – were pictured dressed in festive colours enjoying themselves at the bash on Friday December 11.
The Centre for Health and Disability Assessments is operated by outsourcing giant Maximus, and carries out fit-for-work tests for the Department of Work and Pensions.
One insider said the party felt like a “betrayal” of NHS staff on the front line fighting covid.
Staff, many of whom are said to be poached from the NHS, occupy the ground floor of a building in North London, which is shared with a Jobcentre.
Last year the Tories announced Maximus’ contract to carry out Employment and Support Allowance assessments would be extended for a third time.
Exclusive Firm which carries Government disability assessments broke Covid rules at Xmas party A company paid millions by the government to carry out disability assessments held a Christmas party breaking covid rules. Some 15 members of staff – mainly doctors, nurses and physios – were pictured dressed in festive colours enjoying themselves at the bash on Friday December 11. The Centre for Health and Disability Assessments is operated by outsourcing giant Maximus, and carries out fit-for-work tests for the Department of Work and Pensions. One insider said the party felt like a “betrayal” of NHS staff on the front line fighting covid. Staff, many of whom are said to be poached from the NHS, occupy the ground floor of a building in North London, which is shared with a Jobcentre. Last year the Tories announced Maximus’ contract to carry out Employment and Support Allowance assessments would be extended for a third time, without going out to tender. The second time it was extended, in 2019, the Mirror revealed the Government would pay the firm up to £236 million for a 16-month extension. A series of WhatsApp messages, seen by the Mirror, show staff discussing the planning and aftermath of the party A manager who was at the bash was said to have been diagnosed with covid the following day. WhatsApp messages show staff, who were at the event, questioning why they were still being asked to go into work after the weekend when they should all be self isolating. They did not go in and the office was ultimately closed for the week on Tuesday December 15, an email shows. A Maximus worker said senior management had been aware of the party and that there had been up to 25 people there at its busiest. They said everyone in the picture is either a doctor, nurse, physio or a member of management. One of the team posted in the WhatsApp messages saying they should avoid putting the picture on Workplace – a communication tool used by the business. “There was a zoom call
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The second time it was extended, in 2019, the Mirror revealed the Government would pay the firm up to £236 million for a 16-month extension.
A series of WhatsApp messages, seen by the Mirror, show staff discussing the planning and aftermath of the party.
A manager who was at the bash was said to have been diagnosed with covid the following day.
WhatsApp messages show staff, who were at the event, questioning why they were still being asked to go into work after the weekend when they should all be self isolating.
Staff were warned not to talk about the party
They did not go in and the office was ultimately closed for the week on Tuesday December 15, an email shows.
A Maximus worker said senior management had been aware of the party and that there had been up to 25 people there at its busiest.
They said everyone in the picture is either a doctor, nurse, physio or a member of management.
One of the team posted in the WhatsApp messages saying they should avoid putting the picture on Workplace – a communication tool used by the business.
Staff were told they should be isolating after one colleague at the party tested positive
“There was a zoom call where we were told not to talk about the party,” the source said.
“It had been planned for about a month in advance and it took place during and after work hours and it was on a DWP site.
“Senior management was aware the party was taking place.
“There was alcohol and food and a quiz.
“Everyone attended the party knowing all our NHS colleagues are having a really distressing time. It’s a betrayal of them.
“Lots of staff are poached from the NHS and the wages are far higher.
The office was closed for a week following the party
“The party went on for hours in a room where no more than five people are meant to be at any one time.
“Some were in fancy dress and they shared food, did a quiz, and a long awards ceremony.
“They were ignoring social distancing rules and not wearing masks and essentially breaking the law.
“All while NHS nurses and doctors are working extremely hard on a pay that is nearly half what is earned here.”
At the time of the party, London was in Tier 2 restrictions, meaning no mixing was allowed with other people indoors apart from your household or bubble.
Up to six people could meet outside in private gardens or public parks.
A DWP spokesperson said: “We work hard to make sure our sites are covid secure and we expect all our providers to adhere to the same high standards.”
A spokesperson for the Centre for Health and Disability Assessments said: “We take health and safety compliance at our sites incredibly seriously, and have stringent policies and processes in place to ensure a COVID-safe workplace.
“The behaviour of employees at the Wood Green Assessment Centre breached these policies, and we have taken action to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.
“As soon as we became aware of the incident we took immediate action. The site was closed, a deep clean took place and employees were required to work from home. No members of the public were put at risk.
“Following the incident, a formal investigation was launched which resulted in disciplinary action for site management and all colleagues involved being reprimanded.”
