Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what data her Department collects via the Universal Credit journal on claimants' skill (a) levels and (b) needs; and whether data collected is used to identify (i) potential barriers to work and (ii) the support, including training, needed to overcome those barriers.

The Universal Credit journal is not intended to collect data on claimant’s skills, levels and needs. It is a service used by claimants and staff to communicate and is one of several channels for claimants to notify of changes, ask for help or update the work coach on job search activities.