22 Accepted

Jobcentre support model based on outdated Jobseeker's Allowance evaluations, not Universal Credit.

Conclusion
The Department designed its central support model at jobcentres based on evaluations it carried out from 2005 to 2015. These evaluations were randomised control trials that assessed the impact of adjusting aspects of the meetings between claimants and work coaches.49 The Department acknowledges that there are limitations in the evidence base. Its trials covered Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants and did not cover claimants of Universal Credit, which it rolled out for new claims nationwide in 2018.50
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the conclusion, states the recommendation is implemented, and confirms it is already refreshing its evidence base through two ongoing Universal Credit trials, with findings expected by the end of 2026.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 4.2 The department is committed to refreshing its evidence base and recently published its Evidence and Evaluation Strategy 2025. Goal 1 outlines how research and evaluation will inform our Labour Market reforms. 4.3 The Get Britain Working White Paper outlined that the department is running two Universal Credit trials to understand the impact on claimant employment outcomes of: • work search review meetings using different channels, • fewer work search review meetings for the first 13 weeks. 4.4 The trials are being evaluated via impact and process evaluations. Findings will be published by the end of 2026, after trials have completed and supporting analysis has taken place. Consideration will then be given to how the department can continuously learn, to deliver future service improvements and efficiencies as part of a wider Jobs and Careers Service Evaluation Strategy, which is under development.
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 1.1 yr
Report published 02 Jul 2025