I hope you are all keeping well. DWP Partnership Team would like to give you an update of what is happening at ----- Jobcentres.
I show below what advise we have currently received and I am awaiting formal national guidance. Local Jobcentres are required to adhere to national procedures so currently there are no locally set procedures. I do stress that this is a rapidly evolving situation and it is expected that guidance and process will change further going forward.
Jobcentres to preview appointments and where it indicated there an underlying health condition claimants are being advised not to attend and will have telephone appointments instead.
Please use our
Complex Needs statement (for Journal)
I am being supported by <organisation>, my support worker is <name>, and their contact details are <phone/email>. I may have difficulty maintaining my claim because <brief details of complex needs and any regular appointments/treatment etc>
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Sanction processes paused so that if non-attendance triggers a referral and our customer indicates they have symptoms or self-isolating no further action is taken. No medical evidence required for this.
Mandatory meetings which require face to face attendance such as Claimant Commitment meetings now can be carried out over the phone. Evidence appointments for obtaining proof of identity are going to be offered instead via phone using biographical questions.
Jobcentre workers instructed to use discretion when requesting attendance and given facility to conduct appointments by phone or email.
Telephone new claims made available.
Minimum Income Floor (for self-employed) paused.
PHE advise being promoted.
Unfortunately I do not have an update as yet from the --- Assessment Centre and have made enquiries this morning.
Can I reiterate this is preliminary details and liable to change. I am seeking clarity and assurance on these and awaiting further updates.
Please see attached Escalation Route for Professional use Only and Coronavirus Special.
