§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the effects of the jobseeker's allowance and the test for availability for work on those with a disability; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeIn our proposals for the introduction of the jobseeker's allowance we recognise, as now, that some people with disabilities may have difficulties in making themselves available for the full range of employment opportunities. They will, therefore, be able to restrict their availability to the type or hours or480W work they are able to undertake within the limits of their physical or mental condition. In addition, many people with disabilities will continue to receive incapacity benefit or income support without having to be available for work. However, where people in these groups wish to claim jobseeker's allowance we propose that they should be able to do so, provided they are able to work and meet the other conditions for its receipt.