DWP confirms major new 'back to work' plan for millions of Universal Credit claimants

Linda Howard & Kieran Isgin

19 November 2024 at 6:58 am·2-min read

Couple looking at form — -Credit: (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Ahead of the anticipated 'Get Britain Working' White Paper due this Autumn, Employment Minister Alison McGovern MP has outlined Labour's approach to assist more disabled people and those with health conditions in securing jobs.

Responding in writing to Independent MP Ian Byrne's question on enhancing employment support for disabled Universal Credit claimants, Ms. McGovern pointed out that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) "have a range of specialist initiatives to support individuals to stay in work and get back into work, including disabled Universal Credit claimants", reports the Daily Record.

She detailed the strategy, noting: "As part of the get Britain working plan, more disabled people and those with health conditions will be supported to enter and stay in work, by devolving more power to local areas so they can shape a joined-up work, health, and skills offer that suits the needs of the people they serve".

Furthermore, she stated: "Good quality work is generally good for health and wellbeing, so we want everyone to get work and get on in work, whoever they are and wherever they live. We want people to avoid poverty, and for this to happen we must ensure that disabled people and people with health conditions have the opportunity to work and save for as long as they wish and are able to."

The DWP Minister emphasised the significance of addressing the specific needs of disabled people and those with health conditions, highlighting that they are a "diverse group who need access to the right work and health support, in the right place, at the right time". She further explained: "We have a range of specialist initiatives to support individuals to stay in work and get back into work, including disabled Universal Credit claimants."

The minister also pointed out the vital role employers play in generating more employment opportunities for disabled people and in helping them "to thrive as part of the workforce."

Measures to assist employers include expanding Occupational Health access, introducing a digital information resource for employers, and encouraging participation in the Disability Confident programme.

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