The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide my hon. Friend with the information requested.
Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 10 December 2007:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the support made available to people with Marfan syndrome in job applications. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
Customers with Marfan Syndrome can access the wide range of programmes provided by Jobcentre Plus. In particular, they may be interested in Pathways to Work or Disability Employment Adviser support.
Pathways to Work currently operates in 18 Jobcentre Plus Districts and will be available everywhere by April 2008. This initiative encourages customers to consider starting or returning to work with the help of the Incapacity Benefit Personal Adviser. Support includes a series of work focused interviews and access to the “Choices” package. The package includes financial incentives, in work support and if appropriate, participation in a joint NHS / Jobcentre Plus Condition Management programme, so they can understand and manage their condition with a view to returning to work. The adviser identifies when, and if other specialist advice or provision is needed.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with Marfan syndrome and who needs to look for specific types of work can seek additional specialist help from the Disability Employment Adviser.
The Disability Employment Adviser can provide information about the range of mainstream and specialist programmes and services that can support disabled people into work. These include New Deal for Disabled People, Work Preparation, Access to Work, WORKSTEP and Residential Training Colleges. The Disability Employment Adviser and customer will draw up an action plan to help the customer move into employment.
If a customer is concerned about losing their job or one they are about to start, because of a disability, the Disability Employment Adviser can provide advice about Access to Work. Access to Work can assist people with a disability or health condition who need support to overcome work-related obstacles resulting from disability, allowing them to stay in or start their job.
I hope this is helpful.