Clause 23
9:30 am
Paul Rowen (Rochdale, Liberal Democrat)
I beg to move amendment 67, in clause 23, page 33, line 3, at end insert—
‘(d) shall specify the level of training required to meet the needs of claimants with mental and/or physical disabilities,
(e) shall specify the level of training required to meet the needs of claimants with caring responsibilities,
(f) shall specify the level of training required to meet the needs of claimants with drug dependency and alcohol issues,
(g) shall specify the level of training required to meet the needs of claimants who are lone parents with dependant children, and
(h) shall specify the level of training required to meet the needs of claimants who are lone parents and have been victims of domestic violence.’.
In many respects, clause 23 is at the heart of the Government’s programme to contract out a range of services that are currently provided by JCP staff. When considering what happens when those contracts are made, it is very important that the staff who are employed by the various organisations have the right levels of qualifications. The amendment seeks to ensure that a level of training is provided so that the staff can meet the needs of the different claimants. Those claimants can include people with mental or physical disabilities, with caring responsibilities, with issues of drug and alcohol dependency, and lone parents with dependent children and lone parents who may have been subject to domestic violence. Those are some of the sorts of clients that JCP staff currently deal with. If, as is envisaged in this clause, a large number of functions will be transferred to other organisations, we believe that it is very important that a level of training is provided for staff.
Let me refer Members to the briefing that has been prepared by Rethink, an organisation that deals with mental health issues. The organisation quotes the research of the Department for Work and Pensions that suggests that even with pathways regimes, existing personal advisers admit that they lack knowledge and understanding of mental health issues. It states:
“Mental health issues (including depression, suicide and self harm)...were particular areas (Incapacity benefit personal advisers (IBPAs)) reported having difficulties with. IBPAs did not feel their initial training had prepared them for working with these kinds of customers.”
It also states that
“12 per cent. of people with mental illness report being...discriminated against by Jobcentre Plus staff”.
There is already an issue about the level of training of existing JCP staff. If more of the functions of JCP staff are to be given to a new organisation—that is an integral part of the Bill—it is imperative that a level of training is specified when the contracts are let. I appreciate that under the clause those organisations will not be able to impose sanctions; that still remains the responsibility of JCP staff. Nevertheless, if someone presents themselves to those staff with a particular illness it is important that the personal advisers dealing with them have the right level of training.
Rethink has provided an example of a personal adviser referring someone with a diagnosis of personality disorder and a history of mental health problems to a condition management programme for people experiencing chronic back pain. That is an example of something that has happened with existing staff. Many people with mental health problems feel insecure and discriminated against. If we are to extend the provision and increase widely the number of staff involved in such programmes, they should receive the appropriate training. However, that is not specified in the Bill. Obviously, that would be worked out when the contract is let and an agreement is made. It is important that the Department for Work and Pensions appreciates that there are issues to address in this area. We hope that the Minister feels able to reassure us that this sort of issue will be taken on board as the schemes are rolled out.
Annotations
Alix Cull
Posted on 2 Mar 2009 2:19 pm (Report this annotation)
I refer in particular to people who suffer from severe and enduring mental illness. Far from the picture exhibited in the media and press. These sufferers are not obtaining the treatment and care which they need and deserve, and fall into the penal system when they should be in the NHS specialist departments of psychiatry. Much of the funding which was allocated to mental illness has been diverted to other means. This has resulted in more such patients being unable to access this treatment and care. In some cases it has led to tragedies, either of suicide or even murder. It has certainly put a great deal of pressure on family carers. The Benefits system itself has been far too complicated for them to access their meager entitlement as disabled people. The Home Office quoted me some time ago that 11% of prisoners were suffering from schizophrenia. this is digraceful in what is supposed to be a civilised Society. Many of these severely ill people are homeless. Many families are unable to cope with the patient andhis/her illness.
There is far too little rehabilitation for these patients, and many are unable to work in the open market. Should you, Sir, and any of your colleagues wish to understand the condition better, I refer you to www.schizophreniawatch, an excellent help, but not sufficient to support all the patients and their carers. Thank you for your attention. Alix Cull.
Alix Cull
Posted on 2 Mar 2009 2:19 pm (Report this annotation)
I refer in particular to people who suffer from severe and enduring mental illness. Far from the picture exhibited in the media and press. These sufferers are not obtaining the treatment and care which they need and deserve, and fall into the penal system when they should be in the NHS specialist departments of psychiatry. Much of the funding which was allocated to mental illness has been diverted to other means. This has resulted in more such patients being unable to access this treatment and care. In some cases it has led to tragedies, either of suicide or even murder. It has certainly put a great deal of pressure on family carers. The Benefits system itself has been far too complicated for them to access their meager entitlement as disabled people. The Home Office quoted me some time ago that 11% of prisoners were suffering from schizophrenia. this is digraceful in what is supposed to be a civilised Society. Many of these severely ill people are homeless. Many families are unable to cope with the patient andhis/her illness.
There is far too little rehabilitation for these patients, and many are unable to work in the open market. Should you, Sir, and any of your colleagues wish to understand the condition better, I refer you to www.schizophreniawatch, an excellent help, but not sufficient to support all the patients and their carers. Thank you for your attention. Alix Cull.
Alix Cull
Posted on 2 Mar 2009 2:19 pm (Report this annotation)
I refer in particular to people who suffer from severe and enduring mental illness. Far from the picture exhibited in the media and press. These sufferers are not obtaining the treatment and care which they need and deserve, and fall into the penal system when they should be in the NHS specialist departments of psychiatry. Much of the funding which was allocated to mental illness has been diverted to other means. This has resulted in more such patients being unable to access this treatment and care. In some cases it has led to tragedies, either of suicide or even murder. It has certainly put a great deal of pressure on family carers. The Benefits system itself has been far too complicated for them to access their meager entitlement as disabled people. The Home Office quoted me some time ago that 11% of prisoners were suffering from schizophrenia. this is digraceful in what is supposed to be a civilised Society. Many of these severely ill people are homeless. Many families are unable to cope with the patient andhis/her illness.
There is far too little rehabilitation for these patients, and many are unable to work in the open market. Should you, Sir, and any of your colleagues wish to understand the condition better, I refer you to www.schizophreniawatch, an excellent help, but not sufficient to support all the patients and their carers. Thank you for your attention. Alix Cull.