Activity 11: Learning tasks
Activity 11 is defined in regulations as -
Learning tasks.
Activity 11 assesses the ability to learn and retain information in order to be able to carry out a task. The method of learning - visual demonstration, reading or verbal instruction - is not relevant but if the person needs to be shown how to do a task again they have not learned it.
Descriptors
The descriptors that relate to Activity 11 are -
- Cannot learn how to complete a simple task, such as setting an alarm clock. 15 points
- Cannot learn anything beyond a simple task, such as setting an alarm clock. 9 points
- Cannot learn anything beyond a moderately complex task, such as the steps involved in operating a washing machine to clean clothes. 6 points
- None of the above applies. 0 points
Sources:
- Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 (SI.No.794/2008) and Part 2 of Schedule 2 to SR.No.280/2008 in Northern Ireland (apply to income-related and old-style contributory ESA).
- Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013 (SI.No.379/2013) and Part 2 of Schedule 2 to SR.No.219/2016 in Northern Ireland (apply to new-style contributory ESA).
- Part 2 of Schedule 6 to the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 (SI.No.376/2013) and Part 2 of Schedule 6 to SR.No.216/2016 in Northern Ireland (apply to universal credit).
See also section 3.5.2 of the DWP’s Work Capability Assessment handbook: for healthcare professionals.
Case law
Whilst the Upper Tribunal is yet to publish any significant case law specific to activity 11, in [2017] UKUT 338 (AAC) - a decision considering activity 9 of schedule 3 - Judge Levenson sets out guidance that is also relevant to descriptors relating to activity 11. Highlighting that the inclusion of ‘such as’ in descriptors in activity 11 of schedule 2, and in the wording of activity 9 of schedule 3, indicates that ‘setting an alarm clock’ is just an example of a simple task, Judge Levenson notes that a range of tasks may have to be considered when assessing a claimant’s ability to learn tasks.