PIP ‘more support’ update as Andy Burnham considers new policies | Personal Finance | Finance
Prime Minister Andy Burnham may be wondering what policies to go for regarding DWP benefits if as he looks to grow the economy. He has pledged to roll out a “new political model and a new economic model” with some big policy changes.
One challenge facing the new PM is the record numbers of people out of work, including more than one million young people over who are not in education, employment, or training, while the benefits bill is set to rise further over the coming years. One group helping get people on benefits back into work is training provider Strive Training.
The group provides training courses in a large range of topics, from business administration to hospitality and working in the civil service. Many of their pupils are people who have been out of work for months on benefits such as Universal Credit and PIP (Personal Independence Payment) and who have gone on to get a job.
Managing director at Strive, Jonny Phillips, said that the new administration should treat employment support as “more than a job-search exercise”. He said: “We would like to see more support for programmes that help people move into sustained work, not just enrol onto training.
“Funding should reward providers who can show that learners are progressing into real jobs and staying there. The system needs to value the support that makes those outcomes possible, not only the outcome itself.” He spoke about PIP and how those claiming the benefit often don’t get the right support.
People on disability benefits ‘overlooked’
Mr Phillips said: “One group that can be overlooked is people receiving disability or health-related benefits, including PIP. Receiving PIP should not be treated as proof that someone cannot work.
“At the same time, people should not be pushed into unsuitable roles. The right approach is personalised support, realistic job matching and employers who are willing to make reasonable adjustments.”
The Government is currently carrying out a major review of PIP. An interim report for this study that recently came out said that the benefit is no longer fit for purpose as it currently works.
PIP supports people who live with a long-term health condition or disability. The support is not means tested, so you can be in work without this impacting how much you get. The payments are intended to help cover the extra costs of living with your condition, with varying payments depending on how you are affected.
‘Major opportunity’
Mr Phillips said getting people back into work can have a huge positive impact for the community. He said: “If the Government wants growth, it cannot only focus on high-level investment and productivity plans.
“It also needs to focus on the adults who are currently outside the workforce but could contribute with the right support. That is a major opportunity for the economy and for communities.”
The Government currently offers grant funding to help get people into jobs. Ministers recently increased funding for the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy.
Mr Phillips spoke about how this support should targeted. He said: “Grant funding should also be targeted at people who need more than a CV workshop. This includes long-term unemployed adults, people over 50, lone parents, people with low confidence, people with learning needs, people with limited digital skills, and those with health conditions or disabilities.”
