Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Department for Work and Pensions assessors are currently tasked with carrying out telephone assessments for eligibility to disability benefits.

The information requested is not held. Health Professionals in addition to conducting telephone assessments, can undertake a range of other duties commensurate with their training, for example, scrutiny, quality audit and training.

The Government announced on 16 March 2020 that all face-to-face assessments for all sickness and disability benefits will be suspended. The temporary move, effective from 17 March 2020, is being taken as a precautionary measure to protect vulnerable people from unnecessary risk of exposure to coronavirus as the country's response ramps up in the 'delay' phase. We will ensure those who are entitled to a benefit continue to receive support, and that new claimants are able to access the safety net.