Universal Credit

Mary-Alice Doyle, senior researcher at Policy in Practice, looks at why we’re now seeing a big increase in the number of people faced with sanctions.

More than 80 young people have been helped into employment through Ongo’s Kickstart scheme in North Lincolnshire, in a bid to boost the economy and strengthen local workforces.

Over a million more people will be in poverty this April, as new data-led analysis from Policy in Practice finds that people in the UK are all, on average, worse off compared to a decade ago.

The Wrekin Housing Group has passed a “major milestone” in its Kickstart delivery, with the social landlord providing a career boost to 80 young people.

Karol Kurpiewski is celebrating his Kickstart journey after joining Ashbridge Roofing in September 2021 following a change in career.

Unity Homes and Enterprise has provided four Kickstart placements across four different parts of the organisation.

Policy in Practice’s Mary-Alice Doyle explains why the new Universal Credit requirement for work search at four weeks is a lose-lose policy.

Alongside the rising cost of living, the Demos report suggests that the Universal Credit five-week wait is a significant driver of rent arrears.

The move comes ahead of an expected significant rise in the energy price cap, which is set to be announced on 7 February.

Fast-tracking sanctions to four weeks after the first claim will worsen the situation in which those out of work find themselves, the body says.