Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 66
66
Taking all these concerns into account we were happy to hear of the increase in...
Conclusion
Taking all these concerns into account we were happy to hear of the increase in the number of work coaches by 13,500 across the UK to boost jobseeker support as a response to the covid-19 pandemic.164 We were very pleased to hear that as a result of this recruitment drive there are an additional 862 work coaches in Scotland whilst the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work also said there was an increase in ‘specialist disability employment advisers to make sure the level of personalisation, knowledge and understanding is there to support those particular challenges.’165 The Scottish Government did highlight that the real test of whether this increase in work coaches is successful will be what difference the work coaches are able to make in terms of the service they can offer.166 The Cabinet Secretary warned that with such a high number of claimants each, the success of these new work coaches will be whether they can ‘deliver the standard of service that a client requires and should have a right to.’167
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
It is positive to see DWP’s response to the pandemic highlighted in the report, reflecting on the fact that Universal Credit was able to stand up to the challenge faced during covid leading to increased number of claimants. The increase in work coaches by 1,152 in Scotland, and the increase in specialist disability employment advisors, helped to ensure access to reserved benefits was improved for claimants in Scotland.