xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"

Part 1U.K.Universal credit

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2Pt. 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)

C3Pts. 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)

C4Pts. 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)

C6Pts. 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.

C7Pts. 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.

CHAPTER 2E+W+SClaimant responsibilities

Work-related requirementsE+W+S

15Work-focused interview requirementE+W+S

(1)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.

(2)A work-focused interview is an interview for prescribed purposes relating to work or work preparation.

(3)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).

(4)The Secretary of State may specify how, when and where a work-focused interview is to take place.

Commencement Information

I1S. 15(1)(4) in force at 29.4.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/983, art. 3(2)-(6), Sch. 1, Sch. 2 (as amended: (1.7.2013) by S.I. 2013/1511; (29.10.2013) by S.I. 2013/2657; (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (15.9.2014) by S.I. 2014/2321; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (21.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3094; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32 (as amended (10.2.2015) by S.I. 2015/101); (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.11.2015) by S.I. 2015/1930; (6.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/483; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (16.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/10; and (31.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/167)

I2S. 15(1)(4) in force at 1.7.2013 and 29.7.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/1511, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (29.10.2013) by S.I. 2013/2657; (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; and (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138)

I3S. 15(1)(4) in force at 28.10.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/2657, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; and (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138)

I4S. 15(1)(4) in force at 25.11.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/2846, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; and (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596)

I5S. 15(1)(4) in force at 24.2.2014 and 7.4.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/209, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2105) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; and (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57)

I6S. 15(1)(4) in force at 23.6.2014 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/1583, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I7S. 15(1)(4) in force at 15.9.2014 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2321, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3057; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I8S. 15(1)(4) in force at 26.11.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/3094, art. 3 (with art. 6)

I9S. 15(1)(4) in force at 28.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/33, art. 3 (with art. 6) (as amended: (11.2.2015) by S.I. 2015/101; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (6.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/483; (11.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (16.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/10; (15.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/37; and (31.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/167)

I10S. 15(1)(4) in force at 16.2.2015 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/101, art. 3 (with art. 2(2)-(4)) (as amended or modified: (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/534; (17.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/740; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (14.1.2016) by S.I. 2016/33; (21.3.2016) by S.I. 2016/407; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I11S. 15(1)(4) in force at 18.3.2015 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/634, art. 3 (with arts. 5, 7) (as amended or modified: (17.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/740; (21.3.2016) by S.I. 2016/407; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; (6.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/376; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881; (16.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/10; (15.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/37; and (31.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/167)

I12S. 15(1)(4) in force at 21.9.2015 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1537, art. 3 (as amended or modified: (23.11.2015) by S.I. 2015/1930; (14.1.2016) by S.I. 2016/33; (21.3.2016) by S.I. 2016/407; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I13S. 15(1)(4) in force at 2.12.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1930, art. 3 (with art. 7)

I14S. 15(1)(4) in force at 27.1.2016 and 24.2.2016 for specified purposes by S.I. 2016/33, art. 3, Sch. (with art. 7)

I15S. 15(1)(4) in force at 23.3.2016 and 27.4.2016 for specified purposes by S.I. 2016/407, art. 3, Sch.

I16S. 15(1)(4) in force at 1.2.2019 for specified purposes by S.I. 2019/167, art. 4(1)-(3) (with art. 4(4)(11))

I17S. 15(1)(4) in force at 30.3.2022 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2022/302, art. 3 (with arts. 4, 5, Sch.)

I18S. 15(2)(3) in force at 25.2.2013 by S.I. 2013/358, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 para. 8

16Work preparation requirementE+W+S

(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.

Commencement Information

I19S. 16 in force at 29.4.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/983, art. 3(2)-(6), Sch. 1, Sch. 2 (as amended: (1.7.2013) by S.I. 2013/1511; (29.10.2013) by S.I. 2013/2657; (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (15.9.2014) by S.I. 2014/2321; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (21.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3094; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32 (as amended (10.2.2015) by S.I. 2015/101); (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.11.2015) by S.I. 2015/1930; (6.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/483; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (16.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/10; and (31.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/167)

I20S. 16 in force at 1.7.2013 and 29.7.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/1511, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (29.10.2013) by S.I. 2013/2657; (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; and (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138)

I21S. 16 in force at 28.10.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/2657, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; and (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138)

I22S. 16 in force at 25.11.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/2846, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; and (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596)

I23S. 16 in force at 24.2.2014 and 7.4.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/209, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2105) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; and (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57)

I24S. 16 in force at 23.6.2014 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/1583, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I25S. 16 in force at 15.9.2014 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2321, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3057; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I26S. 16 in force at 26.11.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/3094, art. 3 (with art. 6)

I27S. 16 in force at 28.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/33, art. 3 (with art. 6) (as amended: (11.2.2015) by S.I. 2015/101; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (6.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/483; (11.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (16.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/10; (15.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/37; and (31.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/167)

I28S. 16 in force at 16.2.2015 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/101, art. 3 (with art. 2(2)-(4)) (as amended or modified: (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/534; (17.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/740; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (14.1.2016) by S.I. 2016/33; (21.3.2016) by S.I. 2016/407; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I29S. 16 in force at 18.3.2015 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/634, art. 3 (with arts. 5, 7) (as amended or modified: (17.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/740; (21.3.2016) by S.I. 2016/407; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; (6.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/376; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881; (16.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/10; (15.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/37; and (31.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/167)

I30S. 16 in force at 21.9.2015 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1537, art. 3 (as amended or modified: (23.11.2015) by S.I. 2015/1930; (14.1.2016) by S.I. 2016/33; (21.3.2016) by S.I. 2016/407; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I31S. 16 in force at 2.12.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1930, art. 3 (with art. 7)

I32S. 16 in force at 27.1.2016 and 24.2.2016 for specified purposes by S.I. 2016/33, art. 3, Sch. (with art. 7)

I33S. 16 in force at 23.3.2016 and 27.4.2016 for specified purposes by S.I. 2016/407, art. 3, Sch.

I34S. 16 in force at 1.2.2019 for specified purposes by S.I. 2019/167, art. 4(1)-(3) (with art. 4(4)(11))

I35S. 16 in force at 30.3.2022 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2022/302, art. 3 (with arts. 4, 5, Sch.)

17Work search requirementE+W+S

(1)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).

(2)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—

(a)carrying out work searches;

(b)making applications;

(c)creating and maintaining an online profile;

(d)registering with an employment agency;

(e)seeking references;

(f)any action prescribed for the purpose in subsection (1).

(4)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.

(5)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.

Commencement Information

I36S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 29.4.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/983, art. 3(2)-(6), Sch. 1, Sch. 2 (as amended: (1.7.2013) by S.I. 2013/1511; (29.10.2013) by S.I. 2013/2657; (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (15.9.2014) by S.I. 2014/2321; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (21.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3094; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32 (as amended (10.2.2015) by S.I. 2015/101); (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.11.2015) by S.I. 2015/1930; (6.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/483; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (16.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/10; and (31.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/167)

I37S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 1.7.2013 and 29.7.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/1511, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (29.10.2013) by S.I. 2013/2657; (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; and (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138)

I38S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 28.10.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/2657, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; and (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138)

I39S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 25.11.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/2846, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; and (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596)

I40S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 24.2.2014 and 7.4.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/209, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2105) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; and (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57)

I41S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 23.6.2014 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/1583, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I42S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 15.9.2014 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2321, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3057; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I43S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 26.11.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/3094, art. 3 (with art. 6)

I44S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 28.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/33, art. 3 (with art. 6) (as amended: (11.2.2015) by S.I. 2015/101; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (6.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/483; (11.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (16.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/10; (15.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/37; and (31.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/167)

I45S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 16.2.2015 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/101, art. 3 (with art. 2(2)-(4)) (as amended or modified: (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/534; (17.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/740; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (14.1.2016) by S.I. 2016/33; (21.3.2016) by S.I. 2016/407; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I46S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 18.3.2015 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/634, art. 3 (with arts. 5, 7) (as amended or modified: (17.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/740; (21.3.2016) by S.I. 2016/407; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; (6.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/376; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881; (16.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/10; (15.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/37; and (31.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/167)

I47S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 21.9.2015 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1537, art. 3 (as amended or modified: (23.11.2015) by S.I. 2015/1930; (14.1.2016) by S.I. 2016/33; (21.3.2016) by S.I. 2016/407; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I48S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 2.12.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1930, art. 3 (with art. 7)

I49S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 27.1.2016 and 24.2.2016 for specified purposes by S.I. 2016/33, art. 3, Sch. (with art. 7)

I50S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 23.3.2016 and 27.4.2016 for specified purposes by S.I. 2016/407, art. 3, Sch.

I51S. 17(1)(2) (3)(a)-(e) (4)(5) in force at 1.2.2019 for specified purposes by S.I. 2019/167, art. 4(1)-(3) (with art. 4(4)(11))

I52S. 17(1)(2), (3)(a)-(e), (4)(5) in force at 30.3.2022 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2022/302, art. 3 (with arts. 4, 5, Sch.)

I53S. 17(3)(f) in force at 25.2.2013 by S.I. 2013/358, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 para. 9

I54S. 17(4)(5) in force at 25.2.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/358, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 6

18Work availability requirementE+W+S

(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).

(3)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.

(5)Regulations may for the purposes of subsection (2) define what is meant by a person being able and willing immediately to take up work.

Commencement Information

I55S. 18 in force at 29.4.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/983, art. 3(2)-(6), Sch. 1, Sch. 2 (as amended: (1.7.2013) by S.I. 2013/1511; (29.10.2013) by S.I. 2013/2657; (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (15.9.2014) by S.I. 2014/2321; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (21.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3094; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32 (as amended (10.2.2015) by S.I. 2015/101); (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.11.2015) by S.I. 2015/1930; (6.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/483; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (16.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/10; and (31.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/167)

I56S. 18 in force at 1.7.2013 and 29.7.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/1511, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (29.10.2013) by S.I. 2013/2657; (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; and (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138)

I57S. 18 in force at 28.10.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/2657, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; and (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138)

I58S. 18 in force at 25.11.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/2846, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; and (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596)

I59S. 18 in force at 24.2.2014 and 7.4.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/209, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (16.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1452; (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2105) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; and (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57)

I60S. 18 in force at 23.6.2014 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/1583, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (30.6.2014) by S.I. 2014/1661; (28.7.2014) by S.I. 2014/1923; (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3067; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I61S. 18 in force at 15.9.2014 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/2321, art. 3, Sch. (as amended or modified: (17.11.2014) by S.I. 2014/3057; (19.1.2015) by S.I. 2015/32; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I62S. 18 in force at 26.11.2014 for specified purposes by S.I. 2014/3094, art. 3 (with art. 6)

I63S. 18 in force at 28.1.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/33, art. 3 (with art. 6) (as amended: (11.2.2015) by S.I. 2015/101; (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/634; (6.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/483; (11.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (16.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/10; (15.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/37; and (31.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/167)

I64S. 18 in force at 16.2.2015 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/101, art. 3 (with art. 2(2)-(4)) (as amended or modified: (10.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/534; (17.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/740; (20.7.2015) by S.I. 2015/1537; (14.1.2016) by S.I. 2016/33; (21.3.2016) by S.I. 2016/407; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I65S. 18 in force at 18.3.2015 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/634, art. 3 (with arts. 5, 7) (as amended or modified: (17.3.2015) by S.I. 2015/740; (21.3.2016) by S.I. 2016/407; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; (6.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/376; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881; (16.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/10; (15.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/37; and (31.1.2019) by S.I. 2019/167)

I66S. 18 in force at 21.9.2015 and further specified dates for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1537, art. 3 (as amended or modified: (23.11.2015) by S.I. 2015/1930; (14.1.2016) by S.I. 2016/33; (21.3.2016) by S.I. 2016/407; (23.5.2016) by S.I. 2016/596; (29.9.2016) by S.I. 2016/963; (25.1.2017) by S.I. 2017/57; (24.4.2017) by S.I. 2017/584; (19.5.2017) by S.I. 2017/664; (28.9.2017) by S.I. 2017/952; (2.2.2018) by S.I. 2018/138; (26.4.2018) by S.I. 2018/532; and (19.7.2018) by S.I. 2018/881)

I67S. 18 in force at 2.12.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1930, art. 3 (with art. 7)

I68S. 18 in force at 27.1.2016 and 24.2.2016 for specified purposes by S.I. 2016/33, art. 3, Sch. (with art. 7)

I69S. 18 in force at 23.3.2016 and 27.4.2016 for specified purposes by S.I. 2016/407, art. 3, Sch.

I70S. 18 in force at 1.2.2019 for specified purposes by S.I. 2019/167, art. 4(1)-(3) (with art. 4(4)(11))

I71S. 18 in force at 30.3.2022 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2022/302, art. 3 (with arts. 4, 5, Sch.)

I72S. 18(3)(5) in force at 25.2.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/358, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7