A new report, published today, shows that people claiming the government’s new Universal Credit (UC) are significantly more likely to move into work than those on Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
This comes as Universal Credit reaches a new milestone – it is now available in three quarters of all jobcentres in the UK.
Back into work
The Universal Credit at Work survey has found that 71 percent of Universal Credit claimants moved into work in the first nine months of their claim, compared with 63 percent of comparable JSA claimants.
This means that for every 100 people who would have found employment under the old JSA system, 113 UC claimants will have moved into a job.
Welfare reform
“This is welfare reform in action,” commented Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith. “Creating a system that rewards the right choices, and removes the stumbling blocks in people’s way. Giving people the support as well as the opportunity to achieve their aspirations and fulfil their potential.”
The figures come after what was considered to be a troubled roll out of Universal Credit, with computer problems causing major headaches in jobcentres up and down the UK. It is expected that all jobcentres in the UK will be able to offer Universal Credit by the middle of next year.
Find out more details about Universal Credit here: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/overview
Robert joined the HRreview editorial team in October 2015. After graduating from the University of Salford in 2009 with a BA in Politics, Robert has spent several years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past he has been part of editorial teams at Flux Magazine, Mondo*Arc Magazine and The Marine Professional.
