DWP’s In-Work Progression Offer
The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to supporting Universal Credit Claimants at a time of cost-of-living pressures. We want everyone to be able to find a job, progress in work and thrive in the labour market, whoever they are and wherever they live.
What is the In-Work Progression Offer?
Our intention is to support those with a very low incomes from work to help them access opportunities to increase their earnings. This will be done through supportive conversations and activities at a pace that suits the circumstances of our claimants, who may have caring responsibilities, health conditions or other barriers.
The support is currently available on a voluntary basis for certain UC claimants and is provided by Jobcentre Plus work coaches. From September 2023 onwards, we will start to require some claimants to engage with this support.
There will be no one-size-fits-all approach, and no claimant will be expected to change jobs if it is not in their best interests. Instead, the work coach will provide tailored support to claimants, to help them understand the steps they can take in the short and medium term to increase their earnings. Options may include re-training in order to enter a company/sector with better progression opportunities or finding a job with better pay or more hours on offer. For some the focus will be on developing skills or confidence in the first instance.
District Progression Leads will work with key partners, including local government, employers and skills providers to identify and develop local progression opportunities, and to overcome barriers that limit progression of employees. They are also there to help employers consider new and practical working practices to aid employee progression, enhancing existing employee retention rates and attracting new staff.
Click here for advice on the support Jobcentreplus can offer employers.
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