Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps the Government plans to take to support parent carers of disabled children with returning to work.

Our Work Coaches already offer employment support to people claiming welfare benefits, who are carers of disabled children. Any work related requirements and support should be tailored to a claimant’s individual circumstances and capabilities, including their caring responsibilities.

Support could include access to skills provision, careers advice, job search support and volunteering opportunities, as well as access to the Flexible Support Fund to aid job entry, and help with childcare costs. Work Coaches can tailor the frequency of interviews and can contact claimants via phone or use the on-line journal to accommodate their caring responsibilities.

Full time carers of severely disabled children are not required to undertake any work-related activities, but can seek support on a voluntary basis if they wish.

Additionally, Universal Credit claimants who start work may be able to access the UC Work Allowance and Taper, enabling them to keep more of what they earn.