Universal Credit: In-Work Progression - Qualitative research with Jobcentre Plus staff
This report presents insights from Jobcentre Plus staff about providing in-work progression (IWP) support to Universal Credit (UC) claimants.
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Details
Research background
Funding was allocated in the 2021 Spending Review to extend Jobcentre Plus support to help more working people claiming Universal Credit (UC) progress once in work. A voluntary offer was set up for UC claimants which was available across Great Britain from April 2023 to the end of March 2025.
While the in-work progression (IWP) voluntary offer was available, the Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET) was increased three times. These changes meant that more working UC claimants were subject to conditions including more intensive support as part of their claim.
We carried out this research to understand how Jobcentre Plus staff provided in-work support within the IWP voluntary offer, and as part of mandatory support for UC claimants whose earnings are below the AET.
Contribution to the evidence base
We carried out this project as part of a wider evaluation to understand the impact of the IWP voluntary offer and the AET changes. We commissioned separate research, Universal Credit: In-Work Progression support research, with UC claimants that was completed over the same period.
Research value
Findings from this research were used to improve support for working UC claimants, including offering 8-weekly progression-focused appointments to those with earnings below the AET.
Progression is identified in the Get Britain Working white paper as a key pillar of the Jobs and Careers Service; research findings will be used to design an effective progression support offer and extend the offer to more working individuals.