Touchbase

Roundup of recent DWP announcements 

Health and disability green paper – two weeks to go

Don't miss the chance to shape the future of the benefits system by responding to the Shaping future support: the health and disability green paper consultation.

The 12-week consultation closes on 11 October.

It is running alongside a series of consultation events with disabled people and those with health conditions and their representatives. This includes face-to-face events in the following locations:

Leeds – Tuesday 28 September on Improving Employment Support

Glasgow – Wednesday 29 September on Rethinking Assessments 

London – Tuesday 5 October on Improving Employment Support

Bolton – Thursday 7 October on Improving the Design of the Benefits System 

Support for those arriving from Afghanistan

As part of Operation Warm Welcome, DWP is working with other government departments to provide support to help Afghan nationals integrate into the UK. We are offering individual, step by step, clear guidance on benefit applications and routes into work using our network of work coaches in local jobcentres.

Find out more

Universal Credit journal message

We have recently updated Universal Credit claimants' journals to remind them that the temporary increase to Universal Credit is due to end soon. Claimants are signposted in their journal to advice and support on managing their money.

The journal message is below for your information:

'We introduced a temporary increase to Universal Credit payments in April 2020 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This means you have been receiving up to an extra £20 a week (£86.67 a month).

This temporary increase to Universal Credit is ending soon for all claimants. Your payment on [relevant date] is the last time you will receive this extra amount.

Get help with managing your money in the 'How to manage your Universal Credit claim' guide.'

Kickstart scheme toolkit

Following the launch of the Kickstart Scheme, DWP has updated its Kickstart Communications Toolkit for employers who want to share awareness of the scheme.

In the toolkit employers, stakeholders and partners can find downloadable assets, suggested social media and newsletter copy to recommend the Kickstart Scheme and influence businesses to sign up and help them understand how it could benefit them and young people across the country.

Read the Kickstart Scheme employer prospectus to find out more about the scheme and what employers are saying.

DWP runs regular Kickstart webinars for employers to which you can sign-up for free. 

Every employee in Great Britain to be given right to request flexible working

Under new Government proposals announced this week workers will get more choice over when and where they work. Separately, the Government has also announced that it will be giving unpaid carers who are balancing a job in addition to caring for a dependant with long-term needs one week's unpaid leave, as a day one right.

A consultation – Making flexible working the default – is now open and looks at a range of flexible working methods such as job-sharing, flexitime, compressed, annualised and staggered hours, as well as phased retirement – not just working from home.

You can read and respond to the open consultation on GOV.UK which is due to close on 1 December.

The Government response to the consultation on Carer's Leave, published on 23 September, sets out further detail on the new right for unpaid carers.

Read more