Research and analysis

Universal Credit employment impact analysis: update

This analysis evaluates the short-term impacts of Universal Credit on labour market outcomes.

Documents

Universal Credit employment impact analysis: update

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Details

This publication is the latest in a series of reports which evaluate the short-term impacts of Universal Credit on labour market outcomes. The previous reports, Universal Credit: estimating the early labour market impacts and Universal Credit: estimating the early labour market impacts: updated analysis, were published in 2015 and concentrated on developing the methodology which underpinned the evaluation. They estimated that Universal Credit has had a positive impact on labour market outcomes for new claimants in the 10 pathfinder sites.

The first 2 reports were based on a robust and peer-reviewed methodology and provided solid evidence of the early impacts of Universal Credit. However these reports covered fewer than 2% of all Jobcentre Plus offices which makes it harder to generalise the estimates. This report is focussed on extending the coverage of the analysis.

The findings from this report will be used to improve the delivery and design of Universal Credit, including by:

  • informing the ongoing design of Universal Credit processes and policy
  • providing insight into improving the service for claimants, employers and other stakeholders
  • understanding performance, allowing for improvements in policy and service development, leading to business transformation
  • understanding awareness of the service, both from claimants and employers

Updates to this page

Published 15 September 2017

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