§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what the effect will be on incapacity benefit entitlement where an incapacity benefit recipient applies for employment following a work-focused interview; and if the fact that the application has been made will have any bearing on the outcome of any future personal capability assessment; [9534]
(2) if it is his intention that, after a work-focused interview for an incapacity benefit claimant there will be continued one to one contact between the interviewer and the claimant for provision of future advice and guidance; and if he will make a statement; [9535]
(3) what is the level of contact anticipated between a work-focused interviewer and a Personal Capability Assessment Medical Examiner for incapacity benefit claimants in pilot areas for the Social Security (Jobcentre Plus Interviews) Regulations 2001; and if records from work-focused interviews will be available to PCA examiners; [9536]
(4) if the outcome of a work-focused interview for incapacity benefit claimants in pilot areas for the Social Security (Jobcentre Plus Interviews) Regulations 2001 will influence the timing of a claimant's next personal capability assessment. [9537]
§ Malcolm WicksWork-focused. Interviews will enable people receiving incapacity benefit to consider their work options and to hear about the practical and financial help that is available to them. An application for employment following a work-focused interview will have no effect on an individual's incapacity benefit entitlement and would58W not in itself have any bearing on the outcome of any future personal capability assessment. If a person subsequently took up employment, entitlement might be affected as there are limited circumstances in which people can work and receive incapacity benefit.
A person receiving incapacity benefit will be able contact their Personal Adviser at any time following the work-focused interview to seek further advice and guidance. They will also be able to take part in a review when they will have the opportunity to discuss the help and benefits available to them.
There will be no direct contact between the work-focused interview Personal Adviser and the personal capability assessment medical examiner. Records from the work-focused interview will not be available to personal capability assessment medical advisers.
The participation of a person in a work-focused interview will not generally influence the timing of their next personal capability assessment. However, if at the time their Personal Adviser considers it appropriate they may refer the case to a benefit decision-maker to consider if, in the light of all the available evidence, a personal capability assessment is required.