§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether a new form to test unemployed claimants' availability for work is soon to be introduced; in the absence of the interview which the form has been designed to replace, what arrangements he has made to ensure that physically and mentally handicapped people will be able to complete the form; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaddingtonA new form to test availability was introduced on 18 October. If a claimant has difficulty in completing any form unemployment benefit office staff have long had instructions to assist by asking the questions, with explanations if necessary, and filling in the answers for the claimant. The claimant is then asked to sign or put his mark in the signature space. Alternatively the form can be taken away so that family or friends can help the claimant complete it.
161W
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment if his Department will ensure that those who use the new form to test unemployed claimants' availability to work, and who are unable to work because they have disabled dependants, are brought to the notice of social work agencies so that they may learn of the alternative benefit available to them; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaddingtonYes. Instructions will be issued to staff to ensure that people who are unable to work because they have disabled dependants are advised to consult the Department of Health and Social Security, which administers the other benefits, about alternative benefits which may be available to them.