Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the transition to universal credit does not have a disproportionate effect on those with mental health issues.

Universal Credit is simpler and fairer than the legacy benefit system and is designed to target resources at those that need them most, and to provide support for people who can’t work or need help moving towards the labour market. Our work coaches all undertake a robust training process which includes: a focus on health conditions and disabilities, and how to tailor service delivery according to the needs of claimants with mental health conditions.

We are currently testing a range of additional support offerings and employment provision, including more integrated health and employment support. This includes the Local Supported Employment trailblazer, which will be focusing on people with a learning disability or autism who are known to Adult Social Care, or those in touch with mental health services.

We have been testing the impact of including a healthcare professional in the conversation between the work coach and the claimant, allowing work coaches to address more of the claimants’ needs at one time.