Jobseekers on Universal Credit will have to look for jobs outside their chosen field more quickly under government plans to get more people into work.
From Thursday 27th January 2022, people will have to look outside their sectors after just four weeks, rather than three months, or face sanctions.
Ministers want 500,000 jobseekers in work by the end of June.
Job vacancies hit a record high of 1.22 million between September and November and as part of the jobs push – called “Way to Work” – claimants will have to widen their job search outside their previous occupation or sector after four weeks, rather than three months.
A percentage of their benefits could be cut if they are deemed to not be making reasonable efforts to get a job, or if they turn down a job offer.
The move is intended to target those who are able to work but either do not have a job or are earning low amounts.
A link to the news article can be found here: Jobseekers Must Widen their job Search.