We have just sent the following letter to the Scottish Secretary of State for Social Security:

Dear Jeanne

I was surprised and concerned to see you quoted as saying that people are not allowed companions with them at assessments under the current system. Although assessors can sometimes be difficult about this, the DWP’s own guidelines clearly state that companions are allowed. See page 30: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/655611/pip-assessment-guide-part-1-assessment-process.pdf

It is important that people are aware of the few rights they do still have so that they can insist on them being respected.

We would also hope that you are planning to make greater use of doctors’ reports so that face to face assessments can often be avoided altogether.

Regards

Sarah Glynn

for the Scottish Unemployed Workers’ Network

HERE IS THE RELEVANT SECTION FROM THE ABOVE GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

‘Companions at consultations

‘Claimants have a right to be accompanied to a face-to-face

consultation if they so wish. Claimants should be encouraged to

bring another person with them to consultations where they would

find this helpful – for example, to reassure them or to help them

during the consultation. The person chosen is at the discretion of the

claimant and might be, but is not limited to, a parent, family member,

friend, carer or advocate.

‘Consultations should predominantly be between the HP and the

claimant. However, the companions may play an active role in

helping claimants answer questions where the claimant or HP

wishes them to do so. HPs should allow a companion to contribute

and should record any evidence they provide. This may be

particularly important where the claimant has a mental, cognitive or

intellectual impairment. In such cases the claimant may not be able

to give an accurate account of their health condition or impairment,

through a lack of insight or unrealistic expectations of their own

ability. In such cases it will be essential to get an accurate account

from the companion.

‘However, the involvement of companions should be handled

appropriately by the HP. It is essential that the HP’s advice

considers the details given by the claimant and the companion and

whether one or both are understating or overstating the needs. If the

presence of a companion becomes disruptive to the consultation, the

HP may ask them to leave. However, this should be avoided

wherever possible.

‘HPs should use their judgement about the presence of companions

during any examination. A companion should be in the room for an

examination only if both the claimant and the HP agree. Companions

should take no part in examinations.

‘The presence and involvement of any companion at a consultation

should be recorded in the assessment report.’