Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 7 July 2015 to Question 5455, on universal credit, where the trial which began on 20 April 2015 is taking place; how many claimants are involved in that trial; how long that trial is expected to last; and what forms of support are being provided under that trial.

The Trial is currently taking place in 10 Universal Credit Jobcentres - Wigan, Warrington, Hammersmith, Bath, Harrogate, Oldham, Rugby, Ashton-under-Lyne, Shotton and Inverness, although further phased expansion will be considered.

The trial is expected to run through to Autumn 2016 and we will engage with around 15,000 claimants over the course of the entire trial.

Claimants receive tailored support from their Work Coach based on their individual circumstances, helping them to achieve clear and relevant goals, which should help in their earnings progression.