The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has shared the list of jobcentres across Central Scotland and parts of England that will be taking part in a pilot scheme which could see more than 120,000 Universal Credit claimants receive additional support.
DWP said claimants will benefit from more face-to-face time with a work coach - possibly 10 meetings over a two-week period - allowing them to access opportunities to increase their earnings, whether that is developing their skills, progressing in their current sector, or by starting a new role. New claimant commitments will be tailored to individual circumstances and will consider caring responsibilities and any health conditions.
New regulations were introduced last month which brought an increase to the Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET) which means that more Universal Credit claimants will be moved from the ‘Light Touch’ group to the ‘Intensive Work Search’ group.
