FACE-to-face assessments for all sickness and disability benefits have been suspended for the next three months, the Government has announced.

The temporary move, effective from Tuesday, is being taken as a precautionary measure to protect vulnerable people from any unnecessary risk of exposure to coronavirus.

The Government has said it will ensure those who are entitled to a benefit continue to receive support, and that new claimants are able to access the safety net.

It affects claimants of Personal Independence Payment; those on Employment and Support Allowance and some on Universal Credit; as well as recipients of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

The suspension of face-to-face assessments also covers new claims to those benefits.

Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said: “As we move into the next phase of our response to coronavirus, it is right we take steps to protect those with health problems.

“Temporarily suspending face-to-face assessments for sickness and disability benefits will allow us to ensure we continue to provide a safety net for those in need, while removing unnecessary risk of exposure to this disease.”

Anyone who has a face-to-face assessment appointment scheduled from Tuesday, March 17, onwards does not need to attend and will be contacted to discuss next steps and alternative arrangements, which could involve either telephone or paper-based assessments.

The measure is expected to be in effect for the next three months but we will reviewed in line with Public Health advice.