Roundup of recent DWP announcements Shielding and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) update Individuals who are clinically extremely vulnerable will no longer be required to shield from 1 August. This means those who are unable to work from home but can work on site should do so, providing the workplace is COVID-safe. Employers are encouraged to…

Roundup of recent DWP announcements Run-on of legacy benefits introduced for new Universal Credit claimants On 22 July, we introduced a run-on of legacy benefits for those moving to Universal Credit, to provide them with extra support. This means if someone’s existing claim of income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or…

Roundup of recent DWP announcements The UK transition The UK has left the EU, and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end this year. Information is available on GOV.UK setting out the actions businesses and individuals need to take to prepare for the end of the EU transition period on 31 December 2020….

Roundup of recent DWP announcements Plan for Jobs On Thursday 9 July, the Chancellor presented his ‘Plan for Jobs’ to outline how the government will boost job creation in the UK. During the Coronavirus pandemic DWP has provided a crucial safety net to record levels of claimants, ensuring our customers receive the support they need….

Roundup of recent DWP announcements Expanding our service offer in jobcentres We are working with local managers to start expanding our service offer in jobcentres to help get Britain back into work. Work Coaches are calling claimants – no one needs to contact us. We don’t want to sanction anyone. These are difficult, uncertain times…

Roundup of recent DWP announcements Easing of lockdown restrictions Further changes to lockdown measures in England have been announced to help businesses get back on their feet and get people back in their jobs, providing they adhere to the Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines. In addition, millions of people shielding from coronavirus have been…

Roundup of recent DWP announcements Supporting jobseekers and claimants through social media Jobcentre Plus is supporting jobseekers to prepare for and find work through Twitter. They can find local vacancies and join virtual jobs fairs, skills events and other online events on their local Jobcentre Plus Twitter account. If you work with jobseekers, please tell…

Roundup of recent DWP announcements A Good Place to Start – new resource for jobseekers With 2.3 million new claims to Universal Credit and many more people feeling uncertain about their futures, we have launched two practical online support platforms through our new ‘Good Place to Start’ campaign. jobhelp offers essential advice to those looking…

Job centres across the UK are actively supporting ‘The Adecco Group’ with the Census 2021 high-volume recruitment campaign. Collectively we aim to promote inclusion across all community groups and ensure a diverse workforce is in place for the census. This presents an exciting opportunity for candidates to be involved in the first ‘digital census’ in history. A…

Roundup of recent DWP announcements Video Relay Service expanded The Video Relay Service has now been rolled out to Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support. This service allows customers to make an inbound call to DWP via a British Sign Language interpreter using a video connection. The service will be rolled out to more service lines…

Roundup of recent DWP announcements NHS Test and Trace service The NHS Test and Trace service has been launched across England. The service will help identify, contain and control coronavirus, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives. Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will…

Roundup of recent DWP announcements Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme The new Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will launch online on Tuesday 26 May. The Scheme will enable small and medium sized employers with fewer than 250 employees to apply to HMRC to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay. Tax…