Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 129
129
Whilst the economy is in the midst of recovering from the covid-19 pandemic, and with...
Recommendation
Whilst the economy is in the midst of recovering from the covid-19 pandemic, and with the jobs market in great difficulty and 490,000 people (as of March 2021) in Scotland claiming Universal Credit, based on the overwhelming evidence from witnesses, now is not the right time to sanction claimants should they fail to meet their claimant commitment. We recommend pausing sanctioning of claimants for at least the rest of 2021 with immediate effect. However, we welcome the assurances from the DWP that the claimant commitment will take into account local and national public health guidelines. We recommend that the DWP continue this position until all restrictions ease across the entire UK. 318 The Poverty Alliance (WPS0018) 319 Q101 320 Q101 321 Q101 322 Q101 323 House of Lords, Universal Credit isn’t working: proposals for reform, Second Report of the Select Committee on Economics Affairs, Session 2019–21, HL 105, Para 129 324 House of Lords, Universal Credit isn’t working: proposals for reform, Second Report of the Select Committee on Economics Affairs, Session 2019–21, HL 105, Government response, October 2020 48 Welfare policy in Scotland 7 Universal Credit Scottish Choices
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Work Coaches will continue to work with claimants to ensure claimant commitments are reasonable for claimants’ circumstances and allow them to continue to adhere to the Covid-19 public health advice in force in the relevant part of the UK. DWP will continue to encourage claimants to prepare and look for work. Employers are obliged to have a safe working environment. Where a claimant has failed to meet their requirements, DWP will look at any evidence of good reason, including whether they are self-isolating or have ad-hoc responsibilities due to Covid-19, when considering if a sanction is warranted. A claimant can request an explanation of a sanction at any time. If a claimant disagrees with a decision, they can ask for the decision to be reconsidered and subsequently can appeal against the decision to an independent tribunal. Those who are sanctioned can apply for hardship payments to ensure they can cover their essential needs.