C1C4C2C3C5C6C7Part 1Universal credit
Pt. 1 modified (coming into force in accordance with art. 1 of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Ireland) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/622), art. 2; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Pts. 1, 4 modified (coming into force in accordance with art. 1 of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Iceland) (Liechtenstein) (Norway) (Citizens' Rights Agreement) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/1302), art. 2; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Pts. 1, 4 modified (coming into force in accordance with art. 1 of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Switzerland) (Citizens' Rights Agreement) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/1303), art. 2; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
Pt. 1 modified (1.1.2021) by The Social Security (Norway) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/1597), arts. 1, 2(1)(2), Sch. (with art. 2(3))
Pts. 1, 4 modified (coming into force in accordance with art. 1 of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Switzerland) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/1088), art. 2(1)-(3), Sch.
Pts. 1, 4 modified (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Iceland) (Liechtenstein) (Norway) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1060), art. 2, Sch.
C1CHAPTER 2Claimant responsibilities
Work-related requirements
15C1Work-focused interview requirement
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In this Part a “work-focused interview requirement” is a requirement that a claimant participate in one or more work-focused interviews as specified by the Secretary of State.
I32
A work-focused interview is an interview for prescribed purposes relating to work or work preparation.
I33
The purposes which may be prescribed under subsection (2) include in particular that of making it more likely in the opinion of the Secretary of State that the claimant will obtain paid work (or more paid work or better-paid work).
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The Secretary of State may specify how, when and where a work-focused interview is to take place.
I6C1I10I14I18I22I26I30I34I38I42I46I50I54I58I62I66I7116C1Work preparation requirement
1
In this Part a “work preparation requirement” is a requirement that a claimant take particular action specified by the Secretary of State for the purpose of making it more likely in the opinion of the Secretary of State that the claimant will obtain paid work (or more paid work or better-paid work).
2
The Secretary of State may under subsection (1) specify the time to be devoted to any particular action.
3
Action which may be specified under subsection (1) includes in particular—
a
attending a skills assessment;
b
improving personal presentation;
c
participating in training;
d
participating in an employment programme;
e
undertaking work experience or a work placement;
f
developing a business plan;
g
any action prescribed for the purpose in subsection (1).
4
In the case of a person with limited capability for work, the action which may be specified under subsection (1) includes taking part in a work-focused health-related assessment.
5
In subsection (4) “work-focused health-related assessment” means an assessment by a health care professional approved by the Secretary of State which is carried out for the purpose of assessing—
a
the extent to which the person's capability for work may be improved by taking steps in relation to their physical or mental condition, and
b
such other matters relating to their physical or mental condition and the likelihood of their obtaining or remaining in work or being able to do so as may be prescribed.
6
In subsection (5) “health care professional” means—
a
a registered medical practitioner,
b
a registered nurse,
c
an occupational therapist or physiotherapist registered with a regulatory body established by an Order in Council under section 60 of the Health Act 1999, or
d
a member of such other profession regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 as may be prescribed.
17C1Work search requirement
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In this Part a “work search requirement” is a requirement that a claimant take—
a
all reasonable action, and
b
any particular action specified by the Secretary of State,
for the purpose of obtaining paid work (or more paid work or better-paid work).
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The Secretary of State may under subsection (1)(b) specify the time to be devoted to any particular action.
3
Action which may be specified under subsection (1)(b) includes in particular—
I4f
any action prescribed for the purpose in subsection (1).
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Regulations may impose limitations on a work search requirement by reference to the work to which it relates; and the Secretary of State may in any particular case specify further such limitations on such a requirement.
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A limitation under subsection (4) may in particular be by reference to—
a
work of a particular nature,
b
work with a particular level of remuneration,
c
work in particular locations, or
d
work available for a certain number of hours per week or at particular times,
and may be indefinite or for a particular period.
I8C1I12I16I20I24I28I32I36I40I44I48I52I56I60I64I68I7218C1Work availability requirement
1
In this Part a “work availability requirement” is a requirement that a claimant be available for work.
2
For the purposes of this section “available for work” means able and willing immediately to take up paid work (or more paid work or better-paid work).
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Regulations may impose limitations on a work availability requirement by reference to the work to which it relates; and the Secretary of State may in any particular case specify further such limitations on such a requirement.
4
A limitation under subsection (3) may in particular be by reference to—
a
work of a particular nature,
b
work with a particular level of remuneration,
c
work in particular locations, or
d
work available for a certain number of hours per week or at particular times,
and may be indefinite or for a particular period.
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Regulations may for the purposes of subsection (2) define what is meant by a person being able and willing immediately to take up work.
Pt. 1 modified by 1995 c. 18, Sch. 1 para. 2(3) (as inserted (29.4.2013) by The Universal Credit (Consequential, Supplementary, Incidental and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/630), regs. 1(2), 10(b))