PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Social Security Benefits: Disability (24 October 2014)

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what training his Department makes available to staff who assess people with progressive health conditions for employment and support allowance or personal independence payment on the nature of those conditions.

Asked by:
Kerry McCarthy (Labour)

All healthcare professionals who carry out either Work Capability Assessments or Personal Independence Payment assessments undergo broad and thorough training in disability analysis, as well as training in specific conditions, including progressive conditions. Atos Healthcare and Capita are required to conform to a rigorous set of quality and recruitment standards which are closely monitored by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Answered by:
Mr Mark Harper (Conservative)
29 October 2014