Universal Credit Performers and Creative Workers 2022-07-11

2022-07-11

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
Neill questions the impact of the policy on self-employed people with fluctuating incomes, specifically those in the performing arts and creative sectors. He mentions that these individuals often face unpredictable earnings due to cancellations and fluctuations in their work schedules.
If she will make an assessment of the impact of the universal credit minimum income floor on performers and creative workers with unpredictable and fluctuating earnings. I understand the objective of the minimum income floor, but perhaps the Minister does not appreciate that for people in the performing arts and creative sectors it is not just a short-term period for which they have unpredictable and fluctuating incomes. Shows are cancelled at short notice, even established performers with viable careers get hit disproportionately by this policy.
We recognise fluctuating earnings for all self-employed people and offer a 12-month start-up period. Universal credit supports self-employed individuals, and we treat all sectors equally. The 12-month period is designed to balance support for claimants and protect public funds.
Assessment & feedback
Data collection on a sector-by-sector basis
Treat All Sectors Equally
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
Neill raises concerns about the impact of the policy on self-employed individuals in the performing arts and creative sectors, highlighting that these individuals often face unpredictable earnings due to cancellations and fluctuations in their work schedules.
If she will make an assessment of the impact of the universal credit minimum income floor on performers and creative workers with unpredictable and fluctuating earnings. I understand the objective of the minimum income floor but perhaps the Minister does not appreciate that for people in performing arts and creative sectors, it is not just a short-term issue with fluctuating incomes.
Universal credit supports self-employed people and the Department treats all sectors equally. We offer a 12-month start-up period to balance support for claimants and protect public funds.
Assessment & feedback
Data collection on a sector-by-sector basis
Treat All Sectors Equally
Response accuracy