EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM TO THE EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE (WORK-RELATED ACTIVITY) REGULATIONS 2011 2011 No. 1349

1. This explanatory memorandum has been prepared by the Department for Work and Pensions
and is laid before Parliament by Command of Her Majesty.

This memorandum contains information for the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments.
2. Purpose of the instrument

2.1. This instrument introduces new powers which enable the Secretary of State to
require Employment and Support Allowance customers who are in the Work-Related Activity
Group to undertake work-related activity. It does not apply to customers in the Support Group;
lone parents on Employment and Support Allowance with a child under the age of 5 and
Employment and Support Allowance customers who also receive carers allowance or a carer’s
premium.

2.2.  Work-related activity is defined as “activity that makes it more likely that the person
will obtain or remain in work or be able to do so”

2.3.   The instrument details:

• The circumstances in which a customer can be directed to undertake work related activity
• The use of action plans to record work-related activity
   
• The circumstances in which a customer can be treated as having undertaken work-related
   
• activity
   
• The circumstances in which work-related activity may not apply
   
• The restrictions on times for when a lone parent is available to undertake work-related
   
• activity
   
• The circumstances in which an action plan must be re-considered
   
• The circumstances in which benefit may be reduced if a person fails without good cause to
   
• undertake work-related activity and the circumstances in which the reduction in benefit will
   
• cease.
   
• Consequential amendments regarding action plans and attendance at work-focused
   
• interviews  
   
• Revocation of regulations relating to work-focused health related assessments.
   

the rest of the explanatory memorandum is here.