Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Paragraph: 136
39% of Universal Credit claimants are already in work: the issue for them is not...
Conclusion
39% of Universal Credit claimants are already in work: the issue for them is not finding a job but finding a higher paid one or more hours. We welcome the UK Government’s commitment to providing claimants with in-work support and look forward to hearing further details about how its Progression Champions will work with employers, local authorities and skills providers. As employment support, local government and skills are devolved, for this to be successful in Wales, the UK Government must work closely with the Welsh Government.
Paragraph Reference:
136
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The UK Government is committed to helping workers progress into higher pay. It will respond to Baroness McGregor-Smith’s recommendations shortly. In the latest Spending Review in October 2021, the UK Government announced that £99m would be allocated to provide around 2.1m low—paid benefit claimants with support to progress into higher—paid work. Through a staged roll-out this year, more people who are in work and on low incomes, will be able to access work coach support to help them to increase their earnings and move into better paid quality jobs. The support will focus on removing barriers to progression and providing career progression advice, such as considering skills gaps, identifying training opportunities, or looking for progression opportunities for the claimant in their current role or in a new role. Jobcentres will be supported in this new role by Progression Champions working in every Jobcentre District. Progression Champions will work with key partners, including local government, employers, and skills providers to identify and develop local progression opportunities. They will also work with partners to address local barriers that limit progression such as childcare and transport.