PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Universal Credit: Domestic Abuse (12 February 2019)

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps staff in her Department are authorised to take when they suspect an abusive partner is attending an appointment with a universal credit claimant.

Asked by:
Alison McGovern (Labour)

We always look to deal with vulnerable claimants sensitively and recognise that victims of domestic abuse often find it difficult to discuss sensitive matters.

• Each claimant is assigned to a single work coach, which helps build a trusting relationship.

• Private rooms are available in almost all Jobcentres so that individuals can discuss sensitive issues with their work coach in private.

• All our work coaches receive mandatory training – developed with input from domestic abuse charities – to help them recognize the signs of abuse.

• By summer 2019, we will have domestic abuse specialists in every Jobcentre to further raise awareness of domestic abuse, and support work coaches

Answered by:
Justin Tomlinson (Conservative)
18 February 2019