To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) whether participation in welfare to work activities as part of the invest to save pathfinders for existing incapacity benefit claimants is compulsory; (255137)

In the 'invest to save' pathfinders, we plan to provide support to existing incapacity benefits claimants once they have transferred to the employment and support allowance. Participation in activities such as work focused interviews and work-related activity will be mandatory for claimants in the Employment and Support Allowance Work-Related Activity Group.

Consistent with the 'Progression to Work' model recommended in the Gregg Review, we expect that all claimants participating in the 'invest to save' pathfinders will:

have an action plan;

be required to undertake work-related activity; and

have regular contact with their provider to ensure a minimum level of contact and engagement.

Claimants placed in the Employment and Support Allowance Support Group will not be required to undertake any mandatory activities, although they will be able to volunteer for back-to-work support.