Benefits are threatened by GP revolt

THE Government faces a revolt by doctors who are refusing to do medicals for state benefit claimants.

Three thousand GPs carry out examinations and earn pounds 30- pounds 50 a time.

Now 750 doctors have withdrawn their labour until they get more pay. The British Medical Association predicts that 1,000 doctors will be in revolt in three months.

The delay means thousands of people will have to wait months for their benefit. About 70,000 medicals are carried out each month on first-time claimants of benefits such as invalidity or incapacity allowance.

Health Secretary Alan Milburn faces the complaint that doctors have not had a pay rise in seven years.

The BMA plans talks with Social Security Minister Hugh Bailey later this month.

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