Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Universal Credit Claimants: Support

Monday 8 November 2021 · 4 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial plan for jobs offers tailored support and work coaches to help universal credit claimants.
  • Research indicates child poverty has increased, but the response emphasizes employment as a key solution.
  • The Minister welcomes job seekers to North Yorkshire through Hospitality Rocks events.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP asks about support for universal credit recipients who struggle to find employment.

Question

What support is her Department providing to universal credit claimants who are unable to secure employment?

Answer from Mims Davies

Our plan for jobs provides tailored support for people of all ages, helping them prepare for, get into and progress in work. The additional 13,500 work coaches recruited ensure personalised advice and access to employment programmes or training that are right for them.

Answered
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Q2 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Scotland Children & Families
Context

The MP cites a study showing an increase of 482 children living in poverty since 2015 and asks about reinstating the £20-a-week uplift in universal credit.

Question

Research shows that, in my constituency, child poverty has increased by 482 since 2015. Does she agree that reinstating the £20-a-week uplift would help reduce these numbers?

Answer from Mims Davies

I think we have heard across the Chamber that the way out of poverty and progress is through a pay packet, which gives people more than just income. The hon. Lady will be interested in our report from the in-work commission. Our new programme JETS has moved over 1,500 people into employment since January this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly address the question about reinstating the £20-a-week uplift in universal credit

How: Changing Subject

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Q3 Robert Goodwill Con
Employment Scotland Local Government
Context

The MP mentions a local bakery's job openings and invites people from Rutherglen and Hamilton West to come work there.

Question

I recently received a letter from a local bakery which is desperate for 30 people. They have hundreds of jobs in hospitality, agriculture, social care, and food processing. Will the Minister agree that those people should come to North Yorkshire where they will receive a warm welcome and great job?

Answer from Mims Davies

Long-term unemployment is a devolved matter for the Scottish Government. However, I am delighted my right hon. Friend has raised this important issue. We are organising Hospitality Rocks events to bring people into the industry. People should definitely take jobs in Scarborough and beyond.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly address inviting workers from Rutherglen and Hamilton West to North Yorkshire

How: Changing Subject

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Q4 Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP discusses Ocado Zoom's poor treatment of its workforce and asks if the Minister will investigate.

Question

There are many more claimants in west London due to universal credit being an in-work benefit. Ocado Zoom has worsened terms and conditions despite promising to bring workers in-house. Will she look into this case, which the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain is actively pursuing?

Answer from Mims Davies

The hon. Lady should raise the issue with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy as employee rights are a matter for that department. She has made an important point about the employees' market with over 1 million job vacancies in London.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the request to investigate the Ocado Zoom case

How: Redirecting

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