Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether people with disabilities who are not in receipt of out of work benefits are eligible to receive support to return to work from Job Centre Plus coaches; if not, why not; and what plans they have to extend the provision of such support to those receiving disability related benefits including personal independence payments.
We want everyone who can work to get into and get on in work, and for all people with disabilities to enjoy independence, control and dignity.
This is why our new jobs and careers service will be open to all, not just claimants. The digital offer puts a Jobcentre in everybody’s pocket, offering tailored and personalised support which recognises that people are individuals with different support needs.
Access to the right work and health support in the right place and at the right time is key. Our Get Britain Working reforms will empower local areas to design a joined-up work, health and skills offer that meets the needs of local people whilst our Work Well pilots provide holistic support for those facing health-related barriers to employment that are open to all, regardless of whether they’re in receipt of benefits or not.
The Health Transformation Programme is modernising health and disability benefit services and aims to support individuals with a disability or health condition to move closer or into the labour market. The Programme is bringing a small number of job centre staff and health care professionals together to build evidence around what effective employment support looks like for people claiming Personal Independence Payments.
We look forward to working with stakeholders on the detailed policy development and implementation of these reforms, including through our new Disability Panel.