Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will publish further details on the Universal Support programme announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Spring Budget 2023.

As a result of the Government’s review of workforce participation, the department is introducing a package of measures to address economic inactivity and the barriers preventing people from joining the workforce.

Universal Support is a supported employment programme which will support inactive disabled people, people with health conditions and people with additional barriers to employment, into sustained work.

Eligible people will be able to opt in to receive up to 12 months of “place and train” support - helping them initially to move quickly into suitable work, followed with wraparound support to help them to sustain that employment for the longer-term.

Universal Support will include help for the individual to address issues like debt, manage their health condition and help employers to put in place job shaping or other adjustments to accommodate the individual’s needs.

Pioneer areas are mobilising an expansion of supported employment services in 2023. Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (IPSPC) will provide supported employment in 30 local authorities. Starting from 2024, national Universal Support will begin, supporting at least 50,000 people a year from 2025/26.

In developing Universal Support, the department will engage with a wide range of key stakeholders, including the representatives of local areas, employers, providers and experts in the delivery of ‘place and train’ support.