M.E. (also known as "Enteroviral Encephalomyelitis") and Chronic Fatigue Syndromes are described as The Malingerers' Charter at an Occupational Health Issues Symposium by Unum Provident (Hosted by Susan Douglas and featuring Malcolm Hooper)

Clip taken from "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & M.E." 2016 film by Susan Douglas (Originally called "What about M.E.?)

Original Film: https://youtu.be/X5bOHqIYkjk?si=70pKWT0rtxFMISCC

Featuring patient Ian Lee

UNUM

Life Insurance Company

Southern Regional Benefits

"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Management Program"

Carolyn L. Jackson M.D.
(Revised April 4, 1995)

"Neurosis with a new banner"

1.4 Risk and Opportunity

"UNUM stands to lose millions if we do not move quickly to address this increasing problem"

"The subjective nature of CFS leaves us highly exposed to the self-diagnosis of Claimants, some of whom take advantage of doctors and the entire insurance industry. On the other hand, there are claimants who have legitimate disability related to CFS. Both groups must be effectively managed. UNUM can position itself on the leading edge of disability management by developing and implementing a program to properly manage this most challenging area of LTD claims"

Link to document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LF1mUDmkGVnoxkduL7pIN5PW4vXL9KSx/view?usp=drivesdk

UNUM Provident, Dr Mike Sharpe and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: information which the MRC might wish to consider

The M.E. community will also recall that on 17th May 1995 Michael Sharpe and Simon Wessely were the main speakers at a UNUM-supported symposium held
in London entitled “Occupational Health Issue for Employers” (where M.E. was described as “the malingerers’ charter”) at which they advised employers how to deal with employees who were on long-term sickness absence with “CFS”.

"Moreover, the M.E. community is hardly
likely to forget that in UNUM’s “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Management Plan”, M.E. & CFS is described as “Neurosis with a new banner” and that same document states “UNUM stands to lose millions if we do not move quickly to address this increasing problem”.

Members of Parliament are on record as being gravely concerned about the difficulties which their constituents with M.E. & CFS suffer at the hands of UNUM, as recorded in the House of Commons debate chaired by Sir Alan Haselhurst on 21st December 1999 (reference: Hansard
147WH-166WH).

Link to Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LIGcQA1kWaLAVw3f9krRTdnpAQhC-VBW/view?usp=drivesdk