Posted on 31 July 2023
Working in partnership with over 100 parents and carers from across the UK, researchers from Changing Realities are calling for the UK Government to reform the current system to help people get into work, by scrapping “punitive measures” and focusing on breaking down employment barriers.
Research
Latest research by Changing Realities in collaboration with the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) reveals that the sanction rate in Yorkshire and Humber is 8.4%, the second highest of all the English regions.
Researchers say the need for reform is urgent, as claimants struggle with the cost of living crisis.
Expertise
Dr Ruth Patrick from the School for Business and Society at the University of York, said: “There is an urgent need to reform our failing system of employment support, moving away from conditionality and sanctions, and from an approach that prioritises transitions into any job rather than supporting individuals to find decent, long-term employment.
“By listening to the expertise of claimants themselves we can start to rebuild employment support, creating a system that works for everyone. These recommendations would be a very good place to start.”
Recommendations
Changing Realities and the IPPR have come up with a set of key recommendations, including:
Claimants
A common theme among claimants was the ineffective support of Work Coaches. Dotty G, a single parent, said: “I don't believe that Work Coaches understand our individual circumstances, because it seems as if I see a different Work Coach whenever I have an appointment.”
Herbie, who is a single parent, said: “The idea that Universal Credit gets you into work or off benefits into better employed work, is nonsense”.
Failing
Melanie Wilkes, Associate Director at IPPR, said: “While not everyone is able to work, there are millions of people being let down by the benefits system who want to get into work or work more hours, but the system is failing them.
“The government needs a serious rethink about employment support if they want to help people get on with their careers.”
The Changing Realities project is funded by Arbn Financial Fairness Trust.
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