Following a FOI request to the DWP a copy of the Employment and Support Allowance Handbook issued to doctors who are to carry out the new work capability assessments under employment and support allowance is now available on rightsnet @

http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/pdfs/ESA_handbook_v1_Final.doc

(the handbook is 'reproduced under the terms of a Click-Use Licence.')

Nb - the DWP advise that 'although the documents may be of interest to non-medical readers, it must be remembered that some of the information may not be readily understood without background medical knowledge and an awareness of the other training and guidance given to Health Care Professionals'.

Thanks for making this available. Have had a very brief look (at the 207 pages). Some interesting things, eg:

"the intention is to carry forward current ‘supported permitted
work’ rules, on the contributory strand of the benefit only."

I can't find that in the regs. Sure there will be plenty to comment on in their interpretation of the descriptors..