Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what specialist training is available for advisers in Jobcentres on dealing with applicants with autistic spectrum disorder.

With support from Autism Alliance UK, we are delivering a national training programme to build greater knowledge and understanding and develop a national team of Autism Leads. So far, this course has been delivered to staff members in the North East, North West, Central England, London and the Home Counties and Wales. Staff in Scotland and the South East will be receiving it shortly.

The Department is also working with Autism Alliance UK to develop an ‘Autism and associated Hidden Impairment Network’ across Jobcentre Plus.