To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance and training is available to work coaches to advise them on the circumstances in which they can temporarily switch off a universal credit claimant's work search and availability (a) in the case of a bereavement and (b) otherwise.

All Work Coaches complete learning designed specifically for their role. This learning combines the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to coach claimants effectively so that they are able to identify for themselves what they need to do to find work and how best to do it.

Work Coaches are expected to recognise and consider the impact of complex circumstances, including emergency situations. By using the guidance available to them, along with their own discretion, Work Coaches are able to adjust the requirements they expect from claimants.

A copy of the Universal Credit Full Service guidance on ‘Switching off work availability and work related activities’ has been placed in the House of Commons library, and is available at the following link: http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2017-0556/24_CC-_Switching_off_work_availability_and_work_related_activities.pdf