Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether work coaches receive training on (a) potential barriers to employment for disabled people and (b) how to support disabled jobseekers who may be experiencing such barriers; and if he will make a statement.
Work Coach Learning equips staff with tools, knowledge, coaching skills and behaviours through a mix of topics, to enable them to support all individuals moving closer to the working environment; this is prevalent when supporting people with disabilities and overcoming barriers.
For example, within the Topic ‘Claimant Commitment’, learning includes how we consider the impact of the claimants’ condition and their ability to work and the need to consider what work search activities they are capable of now and in the future, their barriers, any transferrable skills, and any support they are receiving or require.
Work Coaches also explore any previous work activity and discuss any local provision that can help with these needs.
In addition, the topics:
In addition there are over 500 Disability Employment advisors in job centres up and down the country.