Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Disability Employment Advisers were employed by her Department in each of the last five years.

Disability Employment Advisors (DEAs) have been recruited in every country and region of Great Britain. As of July 2018, there are 458 full time equivalent DEAs in place across the Jobcentre network, with the actual headcount being above 500 when taking account of part time and dual role workers.

As of July 2018 the ratio of Disability Employment Advisers to Work Coaches is 1:28.

Table of full time equivalent DEAs for the last 5 years.

DEAs, in partnership with Community Partners and Work Psychologists, are working to improve the capability of all Work Coaches to better support claimants, including those with disabilities.

Disability Employment Advisers have a tailored learning journey that equips them with the skills and knowledge to support work coaches and other DWP staff when they are working with customers with a wide range of health conditions. This includes researching local healthcare and disabled services organisations and identifying sources of support for claimants with physical health conditions.