Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether their planned welfare reforms will take account of people experiencing frequent short-term absences from work due to chronic conditions such as migraines.

The impact of fluctuating conditions are already considered within Work Capability Assessments in Universal Credit (UC) and New Style Employment and Support Allowance, and within Personal Independence Payment assessments and in applications to Access to Work. Changes introduced through the UC Act 2025 do not affect how fluctuating conditions are considered.

At the heart of reforms such as this year’s Universal Credit Act and the Right to Try Guarantee is the principle that those who can work should work, but if you need help into work the government should support you, and those who can’t work should be supported to live with dignity.

Through the upcoming reviews of the welfare system led by Alan Milburn and Stephen Timms, we will ensure that our approach to support is fit and fair for the future, promotes independence, and enables full participation in society as possible.