25 July 2023 , 09:15
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Thousands of Universal Credit claimants are to be affected by new rules that have been introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) this week.
From July 24, people claiming Universal Credit who have and are looking after children aged one and two will have to meet work coaches more regularly to help them find a job.
Work coach meetings usually involve helping claimants prepare for and find work, including writing a CV and going on training or work experience.
The DWP says the extra appointments will include "exploring steps to improve their skills, identifying support needs, learning about childcare provision, and boosting their confidence".
DWP said the meetings increase the opportunity to engage and encourage claimants to think about a job in the future, consider the steps they can take and secure jobs when their child is older.
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People looking after one-year-olds will have to attend these meetings every three months instead of six.
Meanwhile, those with children aged two will have to meet coaches every month instead of three.
Those impacted by the new rules will be told of the change at their next scheduled appointment with their work coach.
Mainly, the new rules affect Universal Credit claimants who have the main caring responsibility for a child.
So this does include grandparents, adoptive parents and other guardians.
For couples on Universal Credit, the person who is classed as the "lead carer" is affected by the new rules.
Minister for employment, Guy Opperman MP, said: “Thousands of parents of young children will start to meet their dedicated work coaches on a more regular basis. This extra support will help those on low incomes to think about and prepare for work while their child is young.
“We’ve already taken steps to support families by increasing the amount of help through Universal Credit and providing upfront childcare costs.”
He added that the change, implemented on Monday is the “latest example of how this Government is putting families first”.
The move is the Government's latest bid to get more people on Universal Credit into work.
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The latest change comes as the first of two, with the second coming later this year.
The next change will see an increase in the work-related activity hours expected of parents of children aged three to 12.
Overall, the DWP says around 700,000 people will affected by the two changes.