Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to assist universal credit claimants who are unable to attend Jobcentre appointments on weekdays before 5pm because of work commitments.

Universal Credit is a 24 hour, seven day a week digital service that allows claimants to manage their own data and account online at a time which is convenient for them. Via their account claimants can check their Universal Credit benefit payments, notify the Department of changes and record notes via an online journal facility. In addition, the Universal Credit helpline is open until 6pm Monday to Friday. Established claimants who call the helpline are connected directly to the person or team who are dealing with the case.

Not all Universal Credit claimants are required to attend interviews at their local Jobcentre. This will depend on their individual personal circumstances. For claimants whose earnings are above the individual or household Conditionality Earnings Threshold or the Administrative Earnings Threshold there is no conditionality requirement to attend interviews with a Work Coach.

Where a voluntary interview is necessary to verify evidence, claimants are able to arrange the most convenient date and time with their Work Coach or Case Manager.