Minister confirms that a pilot for telephone work capability assessments was rolled out from 4 May 2020 where only limited capability for work-related activity recommendations were made

Written answer also highlights that around 60 per cent of sickness and disability assessments scheduled between 1 March and 30 May 2020 were completed

DWP Minister Justin Tomlinson has confirmed that a pilot for telephone work capability assessments (WCAs) was rolled out from 4 May 2020 where only limited capability for work-related activity recommendations were being made.

Responding to a written question in Parliament about assessments for personal independence payment (PIP) and WCAs during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Mr Tomlinson advised that between 1 March and 30 May 2020 - 

• 117,050 PIP assessments were completed out of 187,700 scheduled;
• 14,500 employment and support allowance (ESA) assessments were completed out of 20,370 scheduled; and
• 19,890 universal credit assessments were completed out of 34,530 scheduled.

In addition, Mr Tomlinson advised that - 

'Face-to-face assessments for universal credit and ESA were paused due to COVID-19 from 17 March 2020. Telephone assessments began a piloted roll out from 04 May 2020 where only limited capability for work related activity recommendations were being made.'

Mr Tomlinson's written answer is available from parliament.uk