Ms Joan Gordon:

Reading the chronology of events, there was clearly a decision or an agreement made that a number of cases in a particular sector would be determined based on sample or test cases. At least one if not more made their way to the appeals system. Subsequently, the employment status group was set up under the programme for prosperity and fairness where the development of the code probably overtook or superseded anything that had happened before that. In reviewing those decisions, a person can request a review of an appeal officer's decision under section 317 of the Social Welfare Act in the light of new facts or evidence, or under section 318 a person can write to the chief appeals officer and ask for a review if the person considers that an error of fact or law has occurred.