Benefits claimants won’t be alone

Those applying for social security under Scotland’s new benefits system will have the right to have someone with them during assessments or meetings. Social security minister Jeane Freeman said any applicant has the right to be accompanied by a family member, friend or enlist support from charity worker. Ms Freeman said the move was a sign that Scotland would run its benefits system differently.

She said: “We know that the current DWP system can make people nervous about health assessments”