Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the policy paper entitled Transforming Support: The Health and Disability White Paper, published on 15 March 2023, what additional work coach support is being offered to (a) people on Universal Credit and Employment Support Allowance awaiting their work capability assessment and (b) people who have been found to have limited capability for work or work-related activity but would like help to move into work as part of the initial trial across a third of Jobcentres.

Additional Work Coach support provides increased one-to-one, personalised Work Coach support for people with health conditions receiving Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance to help them make progress towards and into work. In addition to direct Work Coach support, this will enable disabled people and people with health conditions to access wider skills support and our employment programmes earlier.

Claimants awaiting their Work Capability Assessment, and claimants following their Work Capability Assessment found to have limited capability for work can receive support from their Work Coach equivalent to 30 minutes every fortnight. These appointments are tailored to the individual’s needs using the most appropriate channel for support including face to face, telephone, video conference, or digital appointments for Universal Credit customers.

Claimants that have been found to have limited capability for work and work-related activity, who want support, will be able to access support from their Work Coach equivalent to 30 minutes every month.