Contributions
635 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDStatutory Sick Pay and Protection for WorkersI thank the hon. Gentleman. I have said many times at the Dispatch Box that I admire the way that he contributes and offers support in trying to help some of the most vulnerable…18 Mar 2020HANSARDStatutory Sick Pay and Protection for WorkersI have worked very closely with the hon. Lady on a number of issues, and I know that she is held in huge respect across both sides of the House. Prior to being an MP, I ran my own…18 Mar 2020HANSARDStatutory Sick Pay and Protection for WorkersWe are all hearing similar queries as constituency MPs. The key is for people to keep looking at gov.uk as announcements are made each day so that they have clarity about what…18 Mar 2020HANSARDStatutory Sick Pay and Protection for WorkersI absolutely understand the point that the hon. Member makes. These are extraordinary times, and collectively we are all trying to identify the right levels of support as quickly…18 Mar 2020HANSARDStatutory Sick Pay and Protection for WorkersLet me make a little progress, because I think I am about to cover some of the things being asked about. I promise that I will take more interventions. Extraordinary times call…18 Mar 2020HANSARDStatutory Sick Pay and Protection for WorkersI absolutely understand that point, and the right hon. Member and I discussed it when we first made the announcement. The absolute priority has to be new claimants who are seeking…18 Mar 2020HANSARDStatutory Sick Pay and Protection for WorkersI am not the Secretary of State—it is very kind of the hon. Member to elevate me to such a lofty position, but that does not apply. The broader point is that the Chancellor has…18 Mar 2020HANSARDStatutory Sick Pay and Protection for WorkersWe anticipate unprecedented demand, which is part of the reason why we have looked at the work that we no longer need to do during this period—for example, there was the…18 Mar 2020HANSARDCovid-19We have been carefully considering what steps need to be taken in order to reduce the risk to vulnerable claimants and staff members in light of the escalating covid-19 outbreak.…17 Mar 2020HANSARDPeople with Disabilities: Employment SupportThe Government are committed to seeing 1 million more disabled people in work between 2017 and 2027. We support disabled people to return to work through our work coaches and…09 Mar 2020HANSARDPeople with Disabilities: Employment SupportI am pleased to report that as of last month we are at 17,353. We use Disability Confident to empower employers of all sizes to share best practice. Only last week, I met all the…09 Mar 2020HANSARDPeople with Disabilities: Employment SupportI thank my hon. Friend for that important question. The Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Will Quince), who is the Minister…09 Mar 2020HANSARDPeople with Disabilities: Employment SupportI thank the hon. Member for raising that issue, which was covered in the media. It is not something that should be happening. We have changed the mandatory reconsideration process…09 Mar 2020HANSARDPeople with Disabilities: Employment SupportI thank the hon. Member who has been a long-standing campaigner in this very important area. We work with claimants, charities and stakeholders in all areas to improve the…09 Mar 2020HANSARDSpecial Rules for Terminal Illnesses: ReviewThe Department is prioritising a full review in this vital area, evaluating how the benefits system supports people nearing the end of their lives and those with severe…09 Mar 2020HANSARDSpecial Rules for Terminal Illnesses: ReviewI thank my hon. Friend for that question. Absolutely. The reason we commissioned the review was that the status quo needs to change. We recognise that, and I wish to pay tribute…09 Mar 2020HANSARDSpecial Rules for Terminal Illnesses: ReviewMy understanding is that that has not yet been changed in Scotland. We are working with our Scottish colleagues and looking at all options. As I have said, our review will…09 Mar 2020HANSARDSpecial Rules for Terminal Illnesses: ReviewMy right hon. Friend is absolutely right. We can typically turn around those applying under the special rules for terminal illness process within six days, ensuring that those who…09 Mar 2020HANSARDSpecial Rules for Terminal Illnesses: ReviewAs part of this review we are looking at consistency across DWP work, as well as working with the NHS and hospices to try to have a more consistent and sympathetic approach. Where…09 Mar 2020HANSARDPersonal Independence Payment Assessments and OutcomesReducing end-to-end customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the DWP. We continue to work closely with both assessment providers, amending and refining current…09 Mar 2020