Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether responsible carers and lone parents in receipt of legacy benefits and universal credit are required to use the Universal Jobmatch site to look for work; and whether activity on that site can be used as a measure of a claimant actively seeking work.

Universal Credit claimants who are subject to “all work-related requirements” and those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance are expected to take all reasonable action to look for and take up paid work. This can include the requirement to use the Universal Jobmatch site to look for work.

For responsible carers and lone parents receiving Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, there are specific flexibilities to safeguard and help them balance their caring responsibilities with work search and availability requirements, so any requirements set are realistic and achievable.

Activity on Universal Jobmatch can be used as evidence of a claimant actively seeking work.

All work-related requirements are set in discussion with claimants, who take ownership of planning how they will meet the requirements and ultimately secure employment. The requirements any claimant is asked to meet are clearly set out in their Claimant Commitment.