Qualitative research with disadvantaged groups on Universal Credit covering: care experience, ex-offenders, homelessness and substance dependency
This report provides insights on Universal Credit claimants with one or more of the following experiences: care experience, ex-offender, homelessness and substance dependency.
Documents
Details
The Department for Work and Pensions commissioned qualitative follow-up interviews to provide in-depth insights on Universal Credit claimants with one or more of the following experiences: care experience, ex-offender, homelessness and substance dependency.
This research follows on from the Disadvantaged Groups Survey, which explored the incidence rate and profile of Universal Credit claimants with experience of one of the four disadvantages, as well as their barriers to work and support needs.
These groups have lower employment rates and often experience additional barriers and disadvantage in accessing the labour market. The Get Britain Working white paper sets out an ambition of an 80% employment rate. To achieve this will involve supporting people with more complex needs into work.
Contribution to the evidence base
This qualitative research provides an deeper understanding of each of the four groups in the Universal Credit claimant population, including their experiences of, attitudes, and barriers to work, their aspirations, and the types of support they want.
These findings add depth to the Disadvantaged Groups Survey findings by exploring how the experience of having a disadvantaged background can have lasting negative impacts on claimants’ lives. The research sets out the context of their situation and the range of barriers experienced along the pathway to work, enabling recommendations to be made in regard to the design of future support for these groups.
Research value
Findings from this research will be used by DWP to inform the design of polices and services for these groups.