Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 9 February 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 February 2012. It was answered by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Monday, 20 February 2012 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Employment Schemes: Down's Syndrome

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will meet representatives of the Down's Syndrome Association to discuss the administrative requirements of support-permitted work.

Answer: The supported permitted work rules in employment and support allowance (ESA) currently allow claimants in both the Support Group and the Work Related Activity Group to undertake supervised work on an indefinite basis without any restrictions (provided earnings are below the £97.50 a week and the hours worked do not exceed 16 hours a week) as long as the claimant is under the supervision of an appropriate person.The permitted work rules strike a delicate but important balance between, on the one hand, encouraging claimants to build their confidence, undertake some part-time paid work, and plan a gradual move to sustained employment, while continuing to receive benefit, and, on the other, providing the incentive for them to move off benefit entirely and into full-time work, in line with the Government's overall approach.We are currently considering how the permitted work rules for ESA may change once universal credit is introduced.The Department is committed to engaging with organisations representing disabled people on an ongoing basis as part of our wider consultation on the implications of our proposals for welfare reform, to ensure that the social security system supports disabled people and those with health conditions in the most sensitive, fair and appropriate way. As part of this engagement, I would be happy to meet with representatives of the Down's Syndrome Association.

Secondary information