Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what process is in place for the transition from Atos to another provider for work capability assessments; how will this be communicated to employment and support allowance claimants; and if he will make a statement.

The Department will work very closely with the new provider and Atos during the transition period to ensure a smooth and effective handover of services, including the staff and infrastructure that will move from Atos to the new provider. The process for claimants will remain the same during the transition and so claimants should continue to attend their assessments. We are considering the communications to claimants as part of the transition plan.