DWP Penalises Universal Credit Claimants During Job Search

A mother from Leicestershire, identified as Beth, has expressed her frustration after being penalised by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) shortly after securing employment. Despite a six-month job search, her experience highlights the challenges faced by Universal Credit claimants during their transition into the workforce.

Beth, aged 23, shared her story with The Big Issue, describing how her new employer contacted her while she was in a meeting with her job coach. “They [my new employer] rang me in there, so she [the job coach] saw me get a job, saw the smile on my face,” Beth recounted. Yet, soon after, she received news from the DWP that they would still need to report her previous job status, leaving her in a precarious financial situation.

“I needed literally one more payment just to get me through that month before I started my job,” Beth explained. She experienced significant anxiety about covering basic expenses, stating, “I was like, ‘How am I going to buy food?’” In an attempt to manage her finances, she borrowed money from her grandmother, who was also struggling. Ultimately, Beth was forced to apply for a hardship payment, which she felt pushed her further into debt.

The implications of such sanctions are concerning. Samuel Thomas, a policy expert at the anti-poverty charity Z2K, noted, “It can take a real toll. They can be damaging.” He highlighted that sanctions often appear to be applied arbitrarily, stating that claimants like Beth face a lack of flexibility in their job search requirements. “It’s very much kind of, you know, just apply for any job, tick the box, and show you’ve complied with the rules,” he added. Research conducted by Z2K revealed a low level of trust between claimants and work coaches, contributing to the issues faced by individuals navigating the system.

Moreover, Thomas pointed out that many claimants report being given inappropriate work search conditions. They are often directed to seek jobs that are unsuitable or beyond their capabilities, further complicating their situations.

In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for the DWP stated, “We agree activities with Universal Credit claimants—in line with their capability—when they are expected to look for or prepare for work.” The spokesperson emphasised that failure to meet the agreed terms may result in sanctions, citing that this was the case for Beth. “Sanctions are made via an independent process which takes into consideration a person’s circumstances and situation. Claimants can raise an appeal for the sanction decision to be reviewed by an independent tribunal,” the spokesperson added.

The experience of Beth and others in similar situations underscores the need for a review of the DWP’s sanctioning practices, as claimants continue to navigate the complexities of securing employment while relying on financial support.