February 2022 – Increased Work Search Requirements for those on Universal Credit

Launching a new Way to Work campaign, the DWP says its mission is to get half a million people off universal credit and into work by the end of June 2022. Under the plan (which is targeted predominantly at those in the intensive work search group) claimants who have not been able to find work in their previous occupation or sector within four weeks will be expected to look for work in another sector as part of their requirements for receiving their benefit payment.

Currently claimants are allowed a permitted period of three months during which they can restrict their job search to their preferred sector.

The DWP has set out further details of what claimants can expect including more time with their work coaches to improve their understanding of the claimants needs and suitability for certain roles, jobcentres working with a diverse range of employers of differing sizes and sectors so that work coaches can match claimants to a wider variety of employer and for those feeling anxious, work coaches will offer a variety of ways and platforms claimants can be introduced to prospective employers, including recruitment days, physical and virtual job fairs and other events. In addition, the DWP has confirmed that the recruitment process will be simplified and shortened.

However, the DWP warns that, for those that do not engage, the sanctions regime will operate as usual.

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