Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department will take to ensure that the intensive one-on-one support as part of the Way to Work campaign will be tailored to the individual needs of any person with complex disabilities who receives it.

The Department for Work and Pension’s ‘Way to Work’ campaign is a step-change in our approach to supporting claimants and employers. This approach recognises that the benefits of a job are clear, both financially and for the wellbeing of claimants.

As now, not all claimants will be required to look for work. Claimants with a health condition or disability will continue to have tailored commitments based on their personal circumstances, including considering the impact of their health and wider situation. This may include setting work search activity if that is appropriate for the claimant. We do not, however, expect claimants with a current “Fit Note” to start work until it expires, or they are assessed as part of a Work Capability Assessment.

The Work and Health Programme provides a contracted employment scheme for people with a disability, or who are long term unemployed and seeking employment. We also have our Intensive Personalised Employment Support (IPES) programme for people with a disability who also have complex barriers to employment and are further away from work.

Finally, our Work Coaches can offer additional support through advice and services. For those with a disability this could include Access to Work and the Flexible Support Fund which provide personalised support to enable disabled people and those with a health condition to move into or keep employment.