Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many weeks of work-focused study a universal credit recipient can undertake without losing their entitlement; what criteria were used to decide how many weeks of work-focused study a universal credit recipient can undertake without losing their entitlement; and what criteria are set out in guidance for Jobcentre Plus advisors to assist them in deciding whether a universal credit recipient can undertake work-focused study without losing their entitlement.

Through DWP Train and Progress, UC claimants may undertake a full-time course of non-advanced study or training (not above level 3) for up to 12 weeks. This allows claimants who would benefit to undertake additional L3 opportunities that form part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee in England (and devolved administration equivalents). This flexibility can be extended to up to 16 weeks to allow claimants to participate in DfE funded Skills Bootcamps. It should be noted that this initiative has been extended to April 2022.

UC claimants are able to take on part-time training for any level of course as long as they meet their work-related requirements and their Work Coach is satisfied it will fill a skills gap and will improve their prospects of moving into work more quickly. Where this is the case, the number of hours can be treated as a work preparation requirement and the time spent on the course can be deducted from the hours the claimant is expected to carry out work search activity. It should be noted that there is no limit on the length of part-time training claimants can undertake, in agreement with their Work Coach.

The criteria above is clearly set out in guidance for all Work Coaches to use in these circumstances.