12 August 2020 (4-minute read)
The Department for Work and Pensions and Job Centre Plus are higher profile than usual at the moment. Locally, the Epsom JCP Partnership Forum for support organisations, which I chair, is a great way to share information and ideas that can make a difference to people’s lives. I’m pleased to share 4 developments I believe will be of interest to JCP customers and the community in what may be difficult months ahead.
Alison Barrett is Partnership Manager, Gatwick Diamond Work Services Directorate, Department for Work and Pensions at Epsom Job Centre.
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1) Migrating to Universal Credit: 2-week run-on for legacy benefits
In July we introduced a 2-week run on for legacy benefits as extra support for people moving to Universal Credit. In practice this means if someone’s existing claim of income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support ends due to them applying for Universal Credit, they now receive an additional new payment, worth up to 2 weeks of their legacy award.
The one-time run-on payment does not need to be paid back. It will be paid automatically to eligible people claiming Universal Credit for the first time. It will not affect the amount of Universal Credit they receive.
Run-on payments will also be made for other premiums claimants have been receiving prior to moving over to Universal Credit, including Enhanced Disability Premium, carer premium or ESA work-related activity component.
2) Two months’ salary payment to be allowed in one UC assessment period
The Court of Appeal has said the DWP was wrong to withhold UC from people who receive more than 1 wage payment in a single monthly UC assessment period. Doing so had caused fluctuations in UC payments to people whose employers had paid them early to take account of weekends or bank holidays. The Department will modify the UC computer programme and we await further details.
3) Labour market activation
From 15th July, for New claims only, claimants in the Intensive Work Search, Work Preparation or Work Focused Interview regimes will have a 30-minute telephone First Commitment Meeting.
Our Jobcentres are still opening their doors to people who ask for support, but are not conducting routine face to face appointments.
4) Plan for Jobs
In July, the Chancellor presented his ‘Plan for Jobs’ to outline how the government will boost job creation. The measures include:
You can read a government summary of the Plan for Jobs HERE.