Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make her policy for work-search requirements and work preparation activities to be automatically suspended for universal credit claimants in the event that schools close or children have to stay home from school or nursery as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

The Department is monitoring the adequacy of its response to the spread of COVID-19 closely and is determined to provide effective support to people across the country during this challenging period. Further measures will be taken if shown to be necessary.