Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what claimant support is offered to individuals with low levels of literacy, numeracy or computer skills.

Identifying skills needs (sometimes called skills screenings) are an integral part of work coach meetings with claimants. This process involves observation and discussion to gather evidence on skills, qualifications, previous training and work history.

The information gathered determines whether the claimant has any potential skills gaps in relation to their individual job goals and jobs readily available in the local labour market.

Where further investigation is needed for potential basic skills needs (English/maths/ICT) claimants can be asked to complete the paper-based Fast Track Screening Tool. The tool is a short series of questions completed by the claimant and marked by the work coach to indicate potential basic skills needs.

Where a potential skills need is identified, the claimant can then be referred to an initial assessment with a learning provider (DfE funded through the Adult Education Budget) to confirm their skill level or alternatively referred for a more detailed assessment with the National Careers Service or equivalent in Scotland and Wales.

Work Coaches use the evidence gathered through the initial screening and subsequent provider assessment to decide what remedial training or other action is required to help the claimant find work.

Additionally, during the transition to Universal Credit, the UC Programme has made available funding to Local Authorities to 2022 to provide Universal Support – Assisted Digital, to support claimants who need help transacting with the new UC digital service.