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Sick Pay: General Practitioners

Answer

The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 13 September 2007:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what progress has been made on the provision of employment advisers in GP surgeries to advise on sick notes for statutory sick pay and what evaluation has been made of the pilot. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""We are currently piloting a Pathways Advisory Service (PAS) in GP surgeries within some Pathways to Work districts. The intention of this pilot is to test a gateway service where the personal adviser based within the surgery will provide advice on a range of work-related issues which patients may raise, and signpost them to appropriate Jobcentre Plus or external provision. Access to the PAS is voluntary, by self-referral or recommendation from a health professional and is open to any patient, although it is focused primarily on those claiming incapacity benefit or statutory sick pay. The PAS is being piloted in eight locations.""While Jobcentre Plus advisers will support customers on statutory sick pay, they do not give advice on sick notes. They do not become involved with the individual's health situation or discussions around sickness certification, other than that which the individual is happy to divulge.""The PAS is being evaluated by an independent research partnership, the University of York's Social Policy Research Unit and the National Centre for Social Research. The evaluation is due to report early in 2008.""I hope this is helpful."

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

151482; 463 c2309W

Session

2006-07

Subjects

Advisory services Sick pay Sick leave Medical certificates

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk