Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if his Department will provide support from the Access to Work scheme to people with mental health problems before (a) the offer of a job or (b) a job interview to ensure parity with people with other impairments.

Whilst Access to Work has recently been extended to support some pre-employment activity such as Supported Internships, Traineeships and work experience, it is primarily designed to support those in work or those about to start work. AtW can however provide communication support at interviews including with advocacy to assist people with mental health conditions.

Programmes such as Work Programme and Work Choice are designed to help people who are seeking work, including those with mental health conditions.

Support for transport costs to attend a job interview would not be provided by Access to Work, however Work Coaches are able to access the Flexible Support Fund where they identify transport costs as a barrier to work