As suspension of conditionality ends, DWP confirms that the claimant commitments of existing claimants will be reviewed and updated ‘as capacity allows’

Employment Minister also says commitments must be reasonable for the ‘new normal’, and acknowledge the 'reality of the local jobs market' and the claimant's personal circumstances

With conditionality and benefit sanctions being reintroduced this week following their temporary suspension as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the DWP has said that the claimant commitments of existing universal credit and jobseeker’s allowance claimants will be reviewed and updated ‘as capacity allows’.

Confirming the reintroduction of conditionality from today in a written parliamentary answer, Employment Minister Mims Davies says -

'From 1 July we will reintroduce the requirement for claimants of universal credit, new-style and legacy jobseeker’s allowance to accept a claimant commitment as part of any new claim. For existing claimants, we will review and update their claimant commitment as capacity allows. This is so we can provide tailored support to help them find work or increase hours.

Claimant commitments must be reasonable for the ‘new normal’, acknowledging the reality of a person’s local jobs market and personal circumstances to prepare them for getting back into work.’

NB - Ms Davies also confirmed that, from this month, claimants will be able to make an appointment with their work coach if they can’t get the help they want online or over the phone.

Ms Davies’ written answer is available from parliament.uk