Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he plans to increase the level of mental health support for civil servants who deal with people who are suicidal as result of the rise of the cost in living.

DWP have taken steps to increase staff awareness of the mental health difficulties that may be experienced by our customers, so they can direct them to further support at any stage of the claimant journey. We have carried out a significant review of our mental health learning utilising experts and psychologists. The learning is mandatory for all customer contact colleagues to help better support claimants who may present with mental health issues. The learning supports our colleagues to explore their impact on customers, the steps needed to build relationships and how to respond appropriately to customers’ needs.

The Department has an extensive suite of products available to employees from a health, safety and wellbeing perspective. These are easy to find and access for everyone. DWP has an excellent Employee Assist Programme that offers support or counselling for individuals dealing with potentially suicidal customers alongside being fully supported by their line managers.