Social Security Benefits: Learning Disability
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance his Department provides to Jobcentres on avoiding repeated (a) changes and (b) cancellations of appointments for claimants with learning difficulties and other vulnerabilities.
Answered by Dame Diana Johnson
Jobcentre guidance emphasises identifying, recording and acting on a claimant’s individual needs, including any reasonable adjustments, accessibility requirements or support.
This helps Work Coaches plan appointments in a way that reflects the claimant’s circumstances, including tailoring frequency, format and communication method. Appointments can be flexed and delivered by alternative channels, such as telephone or home visits, where appropriate.
Enhanced service journeys provide more flexible and proactive contact for claimants needing additional support.
Staff are expected to consider each claimant’s circumstances when arranging and reviewing appointments, helping to minimise unnecessary changes or cancellations and provide a stable, effective service.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →