The government has announced that tens of thousands of universal credit (UC) claimants with limited capability for work-related activity (LCWRA) are to be offered support from jobcentres, including signposting to HGV driver training and on the job training in construction and hospitality. Accepting the support is voluntary and your benefits will not be affected if you refuse.
1,000 Jobcentre staff - to be known as Pathways to Work advisers - will offer support to claimants with limited capability for work (LCW) or LCWRA. They will be based in every jobcentre in England, Wales and Scotland and will aim to engage with 65,000 people by the end of the financial year.
The DWP say that “The offer is voluntary and will be made to LCWRA claimants via their Universal Credit journal with tailored appointments taking place monthly.“
The kind of support on offer includes:
- being directed to Connect to Work, which provides personalised job-search assistance, employer engagement and on and off the job support, or
- WorkWell, which combines medical help with career guidance
- signposting to work placed training schemes in sectors including construction, hospitality, and manufacturing
- skills training in programmes such as IT or HGV driving.
We would stress again that there is no obligation to take part in this programme, claimants are free to simply turn the offer down.
There’s more details from the DWP here.
