Activity 4: Picking up and moving or transferring

Activity 4 is defined in regulations as -

Picking up and moving or transferring by the use of the upper body and arms.

Activity 4 assesses the ability to pick up and transfer articles at waist level, a level that requires neither bending down and lifting, nor reaching upwards. A claimant's upper limb power, joint movement and coordination may have to be considered.

Descriptors

The descriptors that relate to Activity 4 are -

1. Cannot pick up and move a 0.5 litre carton full of liquid. 15 points
2. Cannot pick up and move a one litre carton full of liquid. 9 points
3. Cannot transfer a light but bulky object such as an empty cardboard box. 6 points
4. None of the above applies. 0 points

Sources:

• Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 (SI.No.794/2008) and Part 1 of Schedule 2 to SR.No.280/2008 in Northern Ireland (apply to income-related and old-style contributory ESA).
• Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013 (SI.No.379/2013) and Part 1 of Schedule 2 to SR.No.219/2016 in Northern Ireland (apply to new-style contributory ESA).
• Part 1 of Schedule 6 to the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 (SI.No.376/2013) and Part 1 of Schedule 6 to SR.No.216/2016 in Northern Ireland (apply to universal credit).

See also section 3.2.5 of the DWP’s Work Capability Assessment handbook: for healthcare professionals.

Case law

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• Account must be taken of the effect on a back condition of transferring a light but bulky object if only able to use one arm to complete the activity
  • [2018] UKUT 137 (AAC)
  • CE/1707/2017
  • AG v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (ESA)
  • Picking up and moving or transferring (LCW)

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• Carton of liquid in descriptors 4(a) and 4(b) is a closed carton and therefore spilling does not arise
  • [2016] UKUT 74 (AAC)
  • CE/2276/2015
  • MK v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (ESA)
  • Picking up and moving or transferring (LCW)
  • Picking up and moving or transferring (LCWRA)

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• Whether descriptor 4(c) - transferring a light but bulky object - can be satisfied with one good arm
  • [2014] UKUT 548 (AAC)
  • CE/2057/2014
  • MT v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (ESA)
  • Picking up and moving or transferring (LCW)

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• Claimant with use of one hand was able to use a suitable keyboard or mouse, but unable to transfer a light but bulky object
  • [2014] UKUT 455 (AAC)
  • CE/2774/2013
  • KH v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (ESA)
  • Manual dexterity (LCW)
  • Picking up and moving or transferring (LCW)

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• Descriptor 5(c) / need to consider neck and shoulder problems in addition to ability to grip with hands
  • [2011] UKUT 461 (AAC)
  • CE/633/2011
  • TO'B v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
  • Picking up and moving or transferring (LCW)

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