First wave findings: Universal Credit

Universal Credit (UC) is the new working age benefit for those in and out of work (replacing six benefits), which introduces a new enhanced conditionality regime (including the Claimant Commitment and 35 hour per week job search requirements). It represents a step-change in intensifying and extending sanctions and mandatory support for claimants and their partners. This briefing paper presents findings from our research undertaken to date, based on policy stakeholder interviews, practitioner focus groups and interviews with 58 UC recipients (welfare service users, approximately one third of whom were in paid work and two thirds out of work)