Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of mandatory health and work conversations on the health and wellbeing of disabled claimants which take place after the roll-out of universal credit.

We have rolled out the Health and Work Conversation (HWC) to Employment and Support Allowance claimants. Whilst taking part in the HWC will be mandatory for the majority of individuals there are extensive safeguards in place. There are clear exemptions for claimants where it would be inappropriate for them to attend. Work coaches also have the flexibility to defer the HWC if the claimant cannot attend due to temporary circumstances.

All Universal Credit claimants are expected to attend mandatory interviews prior to the work capability assessment where it is reasonable to do so. From late Autumn work coaches will use the Health and Work Conversation techniques to support claimants in discussions with claimants.