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Written question asked by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Monday, 13 November 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 November 2017 (named day). It was answered by Damian Hinds (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 November 2017 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Universal Credit

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance and training is available to work coaches to advise them on the circumstances in which they can temporarily switch off a universal credit claimant's work search and availability (a) in the case of a bereavement and (b) otherwise.

Answer

All Work Coaches complete learning designed specifically for their role. This learning combines the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to coach claimants effectively so that they are able to identify for themselves what they need to do to find work and how best to do it.

Work Coaches are expected to recognise and consider the impact of complex circumstances, including emergency situations. By using the guidance available to them, along with their own discretion, Work Coaches are able to adjust the requirements they expect from claimants.

A copy of the Universal Credit Full Service guidance on ‘Switching off work availability and work related activities’ has been placed in the House of Commons library, and is available at the following link: http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2017-0556/24_CC-_Switching_off_work_availability_and_work_related_activities.pdf

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
112498
Session
2017-19
Related items
Deposited Paper DEP2017-0556
Thursday, 14 September 2017
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects
Universal credit
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk