§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what arrangements are made to take account of ME sufferers in estimating capacity to work in the All Work Test for invalidity benefit; what changes will be made on the introduction of the new test; and if he will make a statement. [93550]
§ Mr. BayleyThe All Work Test is an objective test of the effects of illness or disability on functional capacity, which assesses whether a person reaches the level of incapacity at which they are not required to work, or seek work, as a condition for receiving social security benefits. 303W Full account is taken of factors such as pain, fatigue and the ability to repeat an activity reliably and safely. Doctors and decision makers are required to look at what a person is able to do over a period of time, not just at the time of a medical examination.
ME, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or post viral fatigue disease, is a complex and widely variable condition and each case needs to be assessed on individual findings. The Department's Chief Medical Adviser issues guidance to examining doctors and ensures that guidance and training is reviewed in the light of the latest developments in the understanding of ME.
The Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill replaces the All Work Test with the Personal Capability Assessment. The criteria for entitlement to benefit, and the way in which entitlement decisions are reached, will not change but the new assessment will also provide information on what individuals are able to do despite their illness or disability and medical advice on practical measures which might help them return to work. For conditions such as ME, this will include information about, for example, the ability to sustain activities and the effects of stress and of fluctuation in the condition.