Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make it his policy to introduce a homelessness pathway to support homeless people in accessing employment and support.

In recognition of the needs of homeless individuals, in July 2014 the Government introduced a new easement for Jobseeker’s Allowance for homeless claimants.

Once claimants make Work Coaches aware of their homelessness, they can then discuss the flexibilities available when work-related requirements are set. That includes discussing how their homelessness, and the need to find accommodation, impacts on their ability to take the reasonable steps for them to find work.