Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants receive (a) clear and (b) timely information on how earnings from (i) casual, (ii) agency and (iii) zero‑hours work affect weekly entitlement.

Claimants are informed at the outset of their claim, including through the Claimant Commitment, about their responsibility to report earnings and how these are taken into account. Guidance explains that where earnings exceed the applicable weekly amount (after any disregards), Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) entitlement may be reduced or cease. This applies consistently regardless of the type of employment, including casual, agency and zero-hours work.

Claimants are required to report changes in earnings and hours worked, ensuring that entitlement is adjusted promptly to reflect their circumstances. Changes in earnings are treated as a change of circumstances, with decisions applied from the relevant benefit week in line with regulations.

The Department provides training for staff which covers how different types of income, including earnings, affect JSA payments. Learning materials include worked examples and calculations to support accurate and consistent advice to claimants.

Claimants can access additional information through guidance materials and discussions with Work Coaches, who provide tailored advice based on individual circumstances. These measures ensure that claimants receive consistent, accessible and timely information on how earnings from all forms of work affect their JSA entitlement.