Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether guidance issued by her Department to jobcentre staff includes a requirement to contact a (a) healthcare professional, (b) family member and (c) support worker before a sanction is imposed on a vulnerable universal credit claimant.
There is no requirement for DWP to make the contact as described above before a sanction is applied to a Universal Credit claimant.
However, in setting reasonable requirements and considering the imposition of a sanction where someone fails to comply, Jobcentre Plus work coaches and decision makers take into account individual circumstances, including any complex needs, health conditions or disabilities.
Before a sanction is considered, a home visit may be undertaken in respect of a claimant with complex needs, to ensure that they fully understand the conditionality requirements placed upon them.