Query regarding appointments for IB review

I have been an avid follower of this site for many years and would like to thank you for your excellent advice. However I recently completed and returned my form for transfer from IB to ESA. I received a phone call this morning from ATOS to arrange an appointment for a medical and the man was really rude. On my form it asks whether there are any dates on which you cannot attend and I asked whether I could be seen after the new year as my husband works and cannot get time off until then. He works for the NHS. However they told me that I had to be seen by the end of this year and why did I need him with me any way? I advised that my main problems were of mobility and he would have to accompany and to bring me. He then said that if I had a letter from my doctor they would send a taxi to pick me up.Are they allowed to treat us in this manner?

No, Atos employees should not treat claimants in the manner you have described, as it is downright discourteous to say the least.

If you wish to make a formal complaint you should write to:-

Atos Healthcare
4 Triton Square
Regent's Place
London
NW1 3HG

or alternatively at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I have had a letter telling me that first they will contact me by phone and then send out the forms to fill in. Why do they need to ring me first ? and can you tell them if its difficult for you to make it on a certain day and also how long do you have to wait from getting the forms to the time of the interview ?
Thanks

See Being transferred from incapacity benefit to employment and support allowance.

Just to add, you are entitled to be accompanied to an assessment if you wish and do not have to give reasons. From paragraph 3.1.3.3 of the WCA Handbook:-

Claimants are encouraged to bring a friend or companion with them to the assessment, and feel more at ease if accompanied. Indeed the companion may be a prerequisite to enable them to come to the Examination Centre.

It's a shame Atos employees are unaware of their own guidelines!

Thank you for your advice.I am really upset by this mans attitude,I was told that I had to be seen before the new year and if I didn't agree to go on the 30th December then it would affect my benefits. I was more or less bullied into agreeing.