Universal Credit claimants urged to get 'better paid jobs' by government minister

“It’s about supporting people in work to raise their incomes, and ultimately becoming financially secure."

LOW-INCOME earners on benefits are being urged to take advantage of extra support designed to get them into better-paid jobs.

The Department for Work and Pensions said the scheme, called an In-Work Progression offer, could help over 1.2 million low-income workers on Universal Credit into a “brighter future” to increase their employment prospects.

Work coaches and “progression leads” from jobcentres up and down the country will help claimants with CVs, signposting to skills provision and seek to tackle “barriers to progression”, including childcare and travel issues.

Eligible claimants will be contacted via their UC journal, the DWP said, but people can also send a request to their work coach.

Employment minister Guy Opperman said: “In-work progression is one of this government’s core priorities.

“It’s about supporting people in work to raise their incomes, and ultimately becoming financially secure.

“Rolling out this voluntary offer nationwide demonstrates our commitment to help even more people take control of their careers and finances, setting them firmly on a pathway to a brighter and more prosperous future.”