Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department takes to mitigate against and prevent death by suicide linked to benefit claims.

The Department has a detailed mental health training package which includes modules on supporting customers at risk, for all customer facing staff, providing colleagues with learning that they can then apply in different scenarios. Comprehensive staff guidance is available on how to support customers who express thoughts of self-harm and suicide. Where this is identified, staff follow a six-point plan that helps them take the right action at the right time; this could include alerting the emergency services where appropriate.

The Department is constantly learning, and work is ongoing to strengthen guidance and training as part of continuous improvement activities, ensuring colleagues have the necessary tools and confidence to support these customers.

DWP does not have a statutory safeguarding duty, but we recognise the positive impact that a joined-up approach can have on customers with safeguarding concerns. The Department has appointed more than 30 Advanced Customer Support Senior Leaders across Great Britain. They proactively engage with external organisations and if our customers are experiencing crises or are at risk of abuse or harm, assist them in getting the help they need.