Here is our manifesto for change!
We had group discussions about on our own experiences and the findings from the wider research, and developed our manifesto below!
1. CREATE A MORE INDIVIDUALISED SYSTEM
Promote work coach discretion which is kind and flexible
Offer meaningful training (e.g. specialist skills or driving lessons) valuable for the local job market
Send fewer automated messages (they trigger anxiety)
Provide proactive transparent information-giving about what support you are entitled to (e.g. transport costs)
2. REFORM PAYMENTS
Uplift benefits so they are adequate for living (JRF essentials guarantee)
Provide payments to individuals not households
Make alternative payment arrangements easier to access (e.g. so people can opt to be paid 2 weekly)
Stop 5-week wait: Advance payments should not be repayable
3. REFORM CONDITIONALITY
Reduce incorrect conditionality (it is negatively impacting health)
Reduce surveillance (it is not helping people into work)
Stop/reduce sanction rates (they lead to suicide attempts)
No conditionality for people with health conditions/ trauma or young children
Provide person-centred support instead
4. STAFF TRAINING AND CULTURE CHANGE
More training for understanding physical and mental health conditions and disabilities
Training for complex UC cases
Less judgement and ‘scrounger’ rhetoric
Treat people as individuals, with compassion, empathy and respect
Provide a more welcoming JCP environment