§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to review the degree of flexibility available to staff implementing the jobseeker's allowance in relation to imposing conditions on a client's claim; and if she will make a statement. [47405]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe conditions of entitlement for receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance are set out in legislation. Adjudication Officers make decisions on entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance within this framework. Their decisions are monitored regularly by the Chief Adjudication Officer who reports annually on the standards achieved.
An extensive programme of research has been commissioned as part of the evaluation of Jobseeker's Allowance. The findings will be available in the Summer of 1999 and will enable us to consider what changes need 151W to be made to ensure that the design and operation of the benefit meets the principles set out in the Welfare Reform Green Paper.