4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 4.2 The department has introduced improvements, most recently in March 2023, within the Universal Credit system to record more information on claimant’s circumstances and potential barriers. This information can include a broad range of factors including whether the claimant: • is homeless • is an ex-offender • has addiction to drugs or alcohol • has caring responsibilities • has relevant health conditions or disability In addition to competence information including: • language • digital skills and access • confidence in work-search skills 4.3 Data may be collected as part of the work coach interaction with a claimant to help support work search planning and relies on claimants voluntarily providing information about their circumstances. However, as the improvements have recently been made, the department will need to monitor use of this data. 4.4 At this stage it is unclear whether aggregation would make programmes such as the Restart Scheme any more efficient as they are in any event predicated on bespoke action plans between providers and participants. Such information can change regularly and is not a way of defining the needs of an individual. Participants who might share similar characteristics still require bespoke action plans to reflect how any barrier actually affects them and their ability to find work.