Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Universal Credit Claimants: Covid-19 Support

Monday 30 November 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Throughout the pandemic, jobcentres have remained open for those who need face-to-face support.
  • New processes have been introduced to reduce waiting times on the phone and enhance digital platforms.
  • Safety measures such as screened desks and social distancing have been implemented at Harrogate jobcentre.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Jones Con
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of restrictions on face-to-face appointments for universal credit claimants.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support universal credit claimants as a result of restrictions on face-to-face appointments during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Will Quince

Throughout the pandemic, our covid-secure jobcentres have remained open to the most vulnerable in society who require face-to-face support. We have also introduced new processes to cut telephony waiting times and enhanced our digital platforms. That empowers our work coaches to engage with customers through appropriate channels, based on their knowledge of the customer and the local situation.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Jones Con
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about the lack of broadband or mobile phone signal affecting people's ability to use digital platforms for universal credit claims.

Question

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer, but in some parts of our country, including parts of Harrogate and Knaresborough, access to broadband or even a mobile phone signal can be quite limited. How is he helping the excellent team at Harrogate jobcentre help those who cannot have a face-to-face appointment, yet struggle to gain access to the internet?

Answer from Will Quince

My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and he is a huge advocate and supporter of his local jobcentre. We have made all our jobcentres covid-secure, including Harrogate, by introducing a range of safety measures, including screened desks, social distancing signage, mandatory face covering for claimants, the provision of hand sanitiser and regular touch-point cleaning, but for those who are unable to attend a jobcentre, and depending on their individual circumstances, alternative arrangements can of course be put in place.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific nature of alternative arrangements for internet access was not detailed.

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