Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what requirement there is on an assessor to report that a claimant reports suicidal thoughts or intentions during a work capability assessment.

During a Work Capability Assessment there is a requirement to assess both physical and mental health risks. This is covered in the guidance issued to Centre for Health and Disability Assessments (CHDA) healthcare professionals. Specifically, if a claimant indicates suicidal thoughts or intentions this is given careful and sensitive exploration by healthcare professionals to establish the full circumstances. There is a duty of care to act where appropriate, which may in some situations include calling the emergency services if the claimant is considered to be in substantial and imminent risk. If the claimants own GP is not aware then an agreed process is followed to inform the GP to ensure medical attention is provided.