Universal Credit crackdown introduced - here's what claimants need to know

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Major changes are being introduced to Universal Credit today, which could see some claimants lose out on their payments. Under a new scheme called Way To Work, people will now have to start looking for a job outside their usual field of work more quickly - or risk losing their benefits.

From today, claimants will have four weeks to find a job in their sector before widening their job search. Previously they had three months to try to find a job in their own area of expertise. Read more:"We are the proof": The 'Windermere Boy' who survived four concentration camps A percentage of benefits could be cut if claimants are found to not be making reasonable efforts to get a job.

That will include turning down a job because it isn't in your sector. But people will get more time with a work coach in a bid to find a new job, reports Wales Online.

The move comes as the government tries to get 500,000 people off benefits before July. Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said: “Helping people get any job now, means they can get a better job and progress into a career. “Way to Work is a step change in our offer to claimants and employers, making sure our jobcentre network and excellent work coaches can deliver opportunities, jobs and prosperity to all areas of the country.” Jobseekers will get more face-to-face time with a work coach, the government pledged, so they could get more tailored support.