Overview
Over 100 parents and carers call on the government to reform the benefits system to help people get into and on in work, by scrapping punitive measures and focusing on breaking down employment barriers.
The group is calling for an overhaul of the benefits system, to create employment support that works. They recommend:
- Improving the adequacy of the social security system by increasing all benefits, removing the five-week wait for Universal Credit, and abolishing the two-child limit and the benefit cap.
- Transforming Universal Credit to make it fit for purpose by exploring flexible assessment periods, incentivising people into work by expanding work allowances, and helping claimants with the costs of looking for work.
- Removing the threat of sanctions and instead focusing on offering substantial support and mentorship
- Providing a consistent case worker to establish a regular, reliable point of contact and provide personalised support with appropriate guidance and mentorship
- Creating a statement of rights for claimants to rebalance the relationship between rights and responsibilities
- Improving access to skills and training and taking individual skills and career goals into consideration