News item today refers to NAO report on Carers and their relationship with JCP.

The most revealing statement Is reproduced below, which reflects quite accurately the experiences we've had with Carers in the past......

"In addition, the NAO found that only a fifth of Jobcentre Plus staff thought they had all the skills and knowledge they needed to support carers who want to do paid work, and almost nine in ten personal advisers believed that more guidance and training would be helpful. Many staff were also unaware of some aspects of Jobcentre Plus national policy, for example two thirds of personal advisers that responded to the NAO survey were unaware that carers who claim only carer’s allowance are exempt from attending work-focused interviews".

....60% of personal advisers didn't know that Carers are exempt from attending WF interviews ....?!

Those who are also getting income support aren't.

more on carers and benefit in yesterday's westminster hall debate

I have been having difficulty finding the answer to this:

Does this mean that if someone is claiming Income Support (for herself and partner) and she is also claiming Carers Allowance for looking after her partner they are not exempt from work focussed interviews ?

Is there any way around this (ie can they claim JSA and get exemption from signing JS agreement ?

Answer to first question is yes.

Answer to second question is that unless and until the changes in the current Welfare Bill for lone parents are in force, there is no-one who can currently claim JSA without a JSAg.

I don't think the DWP has really decided what to do with carers yet.

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

I'm still wrestling with the fundamental issue of someone caring 35+ hours a week and being told by Triage that they still have to attend weekly appointments and complete and send cvs etc! It seems a nonsensical approach by them - but as you say: the DWP has not really decided what to do with carers yet.

They are not exempt from WFIs but they are effectively in the work preparation group, not the work ready group - ie the same degree of conditionality as people with limited capability for work under ESA. You have to go to the interviews but do not have to look for work.