Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 21 February 2022 to Question 122797 on Jobcentres: Staff, whether representatives of PCS Union were consulted on her Way to Work proposals before the policy was announced.

DWP engages with staff and their Union representatives routinely where there are material changes in the duties and functions of staff. We recognise the importance of the role that meaningful consultation can play, as the Way to Work campaign does not represent a change to the role of the Work Coach we did not undertake discussions with PCS Union prior to its announcement.

We continue to monitor the operation of all our policies and processes to ensure they remain clear, fair and effective in promoting positive behaviours and have carefully considered the impact of implementing Way to Work on Jobcentre staff.