Source: IPPR
- “The idea that Universal Credit gets you into work or off
benefits is nonsense” says single parent
- Analysis of latest data show 7.6 per cent of those expected
to carry out full-time job search are having financial support
withdrawn
- Campaigners call for overhaul of benefits system to make it
fit for purpose
Over 100 parents and carers have come together to call on the
government to reform the benefits system to help people get into
and on in work, by scrapping punitive measures and focusing on
breaking down employment barriers.
The Changing Realities project, funded by abrdn Financial
Fairness Trust, a collaboration of people with lived experience
of the benefits system with the University of York, alongside the
Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) have come together to
highlight issues with the system and propose solutions.
One single parent, Herbie, said: “The idea that Universal Credit
gets you into work or off benefits into better employed work, is
nonsense”.
Another, Precious D, added: “I did not receive any help
[employment support]”.
A common theme among claimants was the ineffective support of
Work Coaches. Dotty G, a single parent said: “I don't believe
that Work Coaches understand our individual circumstances,
because it seems as if I see a different Work Coach whenever I
have an appointment”.
This comes despite the
government’s promise that Universal Credit would ‘help more
people to move into and progress in work’.
Rather than the government doubling down on a failing system of
sanctions, conditionality and other punitive measures, the group
is calling for an overhaul of the benefits system, to create
employment support that works. They recommend:
-
Improving the adequacy of the social security
system by increasing all benefits, removing the
five-week wait for Universal Credit, and abolishing the
two-child limit and the benefit cap
-
Transforming Universal Credit to make it fit for
purpose by exploring flexible assessment periods,
incentivising people into work by expanding work allowances,
and helping claimants with the costs of looking for work.
-
Removing the threat of sanctions and
instead focusing on offering substantial support and mentorship
-
Providing a consistent case worker to
establish a regular, reliable point of contact and provide
personalised support with appropriate guidance and mentorship
-
Creating a statement of rights for
claimants to rebalance the relationship between
rights and responsibilities
-
Improving access to skills and
training and taking individual skills and career
goals into consideration
Melanie Wilkes, associate director at IPPR,
said:
“While not everyone is able to work, there are millions of
people being let down by the benefits system who want to get into
work or work more hours, but the system is failing them. The
government needs a serious rethink about employment support if
they want to help people get on with their careers.”
Dr Ruth Patrick, senior lecturer at the University of
York, says:
“There is an urgent need to reform our failing system of
employment support, moving away from conditionality and
sanctions, and from an approach that prioritise transitions into
any job rather than supporting individuals to find decent,
long-term employment. By listening to the expertise of claimants
themselves we can start to rebuild employment support, creating a
system that works for everyone. These recommendations would be a
very good place to start.”
