Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if his Department will develop scientific training in autism for work coaches in Jobcentre Plus.

The Department for Work and Pensions supports work coaches to build a strong relationship with all claimants through a comprehensive training and accreditation programme. This includes training to understand specific claimant needs. DWP has undertaken an extensive autism and neurodiversity training programme to upskill staff across the Jobcentre Plus network, reaching 1200 staff members. This was delivered by Autism Alliance UK and was facilitated by disabled people with autistic spectrum conditions.