We have just sent the following letter to the Scottish Secretary of State for Social Security:
Dear Jeanne
I was surprised and concerned to see you quoted as saying that people are not allowed companions with them at assessments under the current system. Although assessors can sometimes be difficult about this, the DWP’s own guidelines clearly state that companions are allowed. See page 30: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/655611/pip-assessment-guide-part-1-assessment-process.pdf
It is important that people are aware of the few rights they do still have so that they can insist on them being respected.
We would also hope that you are planning to make greater use of doctors’ reports so that face to face assessments can often be avoided altogether.
Regards
Sarah Glynn
for the Scottish Unemployed Workers’ Network
HERE IS THE RELEVANT SECTION FROM THE ABOVE GUIDANCE DOCUMENT
‘Companions at consultations
‘Claimants have a right to be accompanied to a face-to-face
consultation if they so wish. Claimants should be encouraged to
bring another person with them to consultations where they would
find this helpful – for example, to reassure them or to help them
during the consultation. The person chosen is at the discretion of the
claimant and might be, but is not limited to, a parent, family member,
friend, carer or advocate.
‘Consultations should predominantly be between the HP and the
claimant. However, the companions may play an active role in
helping claimants answer questions where the claimant or HP
wishes them to do so. HPs should allow a companion to contribute
and should record any evidence they provide. This may be
particularly important where the claimant has a mental, cognitive or
intellectual impairment. In such cases the claimant may not be able
to give an accurate account of their health condition or impairment,
through a lack of insight or unrealistic expectations of their own
ability. In such cases it will be essential to get an accurate account
from the companion.
‘However, the involvement of companions should be handled
appropriately by the HP. It is essential that the HP’s advice
considers the details given by the claimant and the companion and
whether one or both are understating or overstating the needs. If the
presence of a companion becomes disruptive to the consultation, the
HP may ask them to leave. However, this should be avoided
wherever possible.
‘HPs should use their judgement about the presence of companions
during any examination. A companion should be in the room for an
examination only if both the claimant and the HP agree. Companions
should take no part in examinations.
‘The presence and involvement of any companion at a consultation
should be recorded in the assessment report.’
scottish unemployed workers' network 
There is an absolute legal right already for a claimant to be accompanied. But it is a well-known DWP trick to pretend to people that they cannot bring a representative with them. This makes things easier for the DWP in areas such as gaining access to a Universal Jobmatch Account ( voluntary, but often claimed not to be ), or influencing people towards actions and commitments that may not be their advantage.
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Jeff Smith says: “There is an absolute legal right already for a claimant to be accompanied”?
Can anyone point to the law (“legal right”) that enshrines this “absolute” “right”?
Always good to make use of DWP’s own rules (guidance) creatively in the interest of claimants, but language of ‘rights’ can allude to “an absolute legal right” that could be illusionary.
“Make the enemy live up to their own book of rules”
https://archive.org/stream/RulesForRadicals/RulesForRadicals_djvu.txt
The DWP guidance does say “claimants have a right to be accompanied to a face-
to-face consultation if they so wish” https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/655611/pip-assessment-guide-part-1-assessment-process.pdf
It would be very useful to know the background and development to this “right” and whether it is encoded in any law?
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this woman is introducing medical records being scrutinised to assess if you are entitled to disabled benefits. if you dont give the permission you get a one to one interview. how can we stop this right being taken away. noone is talking about this major change. noone. best, rene mcdonald Glasgow ________________________________
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I too was confused by the SG announcement. The recurring problem is that there is too much PR “spin” going on at Holyrood with regard to the current SSS Bill; much better if the politicians focused on getting the details of the Bill correct and then making announcements! It is a very complex piece of legislation; there are many amendments required to “get it right”; even if it is “right” then much will depend on how it is implemented, resources and the relationship with the UK SS Bill. So, less spin and more detail please from Jeanne Freeman!
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Sorry, second final line, delete “Bill” and replace with “system”.
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URGENT
hello
please sign and share this petition as soon as you can. having no food doesnt just leave you hungry it causes stomach pain and a fear thats like no other. theres many people just like me and you who didnt think theyd end up having to use a foodbank. but this is Tory Britain and nothing is certain anymore. and what we knew doesnt exist anymore. please sign this and pass it on as fast ast you can to any friend or contact you think might just sign this. theres a target figure and a tight deadline. thanks very much once again for your time and kindness.
best,
rene mcdonald
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hello
i received this email from 38 degrees about fracking in scotland. would you please sign the petition to help and share it with contacts. very grateful
best,
rene mcdonald
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hello i received this distressing email today. i would be most grateful if you would sign this petition and share with others. animals feel what people feel but they have no voice. we are their only voice. please help. thankyou for your time. best, rene mcdonald
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hi i got this upsetting email today. would you plz sign this and pass on. thx once again rene mcdonald
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hi
would you please sign this and share it. they have no voice. and they feel everything we feel. we have to help. thanks
rene mcdonald
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thankyou all who signed this petition. got this email today. seems these petitions are working in asia.
best wishes
rene mcdonald
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