Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Damian Hinds and Desmond Swayne

Monday 20th February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

Have Ministers identified the critical difference that makes a recipient of universal credit so much more likely to get into work than someone on jobseeker’s allowance?

[Damian Hinds]

There are multiple features of universal credit that make that so much more likely. The critical thing is to remove the barriers that create differences between being out of work and being in work. Having the rent paid directly to the individual is one thing; there is also the additional support that people get from the work coach in the jobcentre; then there is the fact that people know how much they will retain for every extra hour worked and extra pound earned.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Damian Hinds and Desmond Swayne

Monday 21st November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Damian Hinds]

I join the hon. Lady in recognising the necessity of looking at these issues. National living wage enforcement is very important. That is why we have raised the budget for it, as well raising the maximum penalty. As for the exact definition of self-employment, she will know that there are variations in definition for tax purposes and employment law purposes. The Matthew Taylor review is looking at precisely these issues to make sure that the appropriate protections are in place while enabling more and more people to avail themselves of the opportunities in the new economy.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

What is the Minister doing to help disabled people into self-employment?

[Damian Hinds]

My right hon. Friend makes a very good point. We know that many more disabled people want to get into work, and one route is through self-employment. I am pleased to be able to say that more than a fifth of the participants in the new enterprise allowance scheme are people with a declared disability, but there is a great deal more we can do.