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Written question asked by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 25 January 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 30 January 2024 (named day). It was answered by Jo Churchill (Conservative) on Thursday, 1 February 2024 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Jobcentres: Patients

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance his Department has issued on (a) the circumstances in which a hospital in-patient would be required to attend a meeting at a jobcentre and (b) the circumstances in which a hospital in-patient would be required to attend a meeting if that necessitated the attendance of NHS staff.

Answer

There are no references within our Guidance which state we would require a hospital in-patient to attend a meeting at a Jobcentre.

Where a claimant is required to attend Work Focused Interviews, guidance states that work coaches have discretion to vary the frequency and appointment channel in light of the claimant’s needs, circumstances and capability. Guidance also states that in exceptional circumstances, where a claimant is absolutely prevented from accepting a Claimant Commitment, the requirement to do so is temporarily lifted. This includes, but is not limited to, instances where a claimant is undergoing medical treatment as an in-patient in a hospital.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
11471
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Jobcentres Patients Social security benefits
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk