Dear all,
My client has relapsing remitting MS recently diagnosed after two relapses. She is recovering from the last and about to start an intensive treatment with a chemotherapy drug in a few months time.
She is not long standing sick - she is just currently unable to work due to ill health. She can and will return to work in her usual profession (self-employed entertainer).
She made a claim for CESA in March which was backdated to end of december in accordance with backdating rules.
She has received a mandatory ‘health and work conversation’ appointment prior to receiving her ESA50, which has been completed and sent off since.
I attach a copy of the appointment letter which says ‘your ESA payments may be reduced if you don’t go to your interview on the 30th and you don’t have a good reason.’
Are these appointments mandatory and if so on what basis? Are they now going to be common place? When did that happen?
Best,
EKS
