Recommendation 23

We welcome the fact that DWP has recruited 13,500 additional Work Coaches in response to the pandemic. DWP should continue to assess whether the number of Work Coaches is sufficient, and commit to recruiting more in the future if demand rises. It should also ensure that there are enough Jobcentre Plus staff with specialist skills. The Department recently announced the recruitment of 315 new Disability Employment Advisers, which is welcome, but it should assess whether this number is enough and commit to hiring more or upskilling existing Work Coaches if necessary.