Julian Sturdy – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Work and Pensions

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Julian Sturdy on 2016-09-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the impact of protocols on touching disability benefit assessment centre attendees on the accessibility of these sites to those who struggle to stand unaided.

Penny Mordaunt

If a physical assessment of the musculoskeletal system is required, it is largely non-touch and based on observing ‘active movements’ – i.e. movements carried out under the direction of, but without the physical intervention of, the Healthcare Professional.

The impact on a claimant undergoing this type of assessment should therefore be negligible.