DWP Expands Personalised Employment Support to Thousands More Benefit Claimants

What is the DWP's personalised support expansion?

The Department for Work and Pensions announced on 26 June 2026 that it is expanding the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model to additional Jobcentre Plus sites across England, Scotland and Wales. IPS pairs out-of-work benefit claimants -- particularly those with health conditions or disabilities -- with dedicated employment advisers who provide one-to-one support rather than standard group or remote interventions.

The IPS model was originally developed for people with severe mental health conditions and has a strong evidence base from NHS and academic research. The DWP has been scaling the model beyond its original health-focused cohort to include a wider range of Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance claimants. The 26 June announcement extends the programme to thousands more claimants at newly added Jobcentre locations.

The Get Britain Working agenda

The expansion sits within the Government's broader Get Britain Working white paper, published in November 2025. The white paper set out a package of reforms to reduce economic inactivity, which reached 9.4 million people in late 2025 according to ONS Labour Force Survey data. The Government's target is to reduce the inactivity rate and move one million more people into employment by 2030, which Ministers have described as central to the economic growth strategy.

The Get Britain Working agenda includes eight Employment Zones, a new Youth Guarantee for 18-21 year olds, reforms to the Work Capability Assessment, and the expansion of personalised support such as IPS. DWP analysis of IPS pilots shows 70 percent of participants moved closer to work, compared to standard Jobcentre support outcomes.

What this means for claimants

Claimants at Jobcentre Plus sites in the expansion areas will be offered access to dedicated employment advisers as part of their claimant commitment. The DWP says the personalised model reduces conditionality pressure and instead focuses on identifying and removing practical barriers to employment including health, transport, childcare and skills gaps. Claimants in the expanded areas do not need to apply -- the DWP will identify eligible participants through the Jobcentre network.

Universal Credit conditionality and claimant commitments

The expansion does not change the underlying Universal Credit conditionality rules. Claimants in the all-work-related requirements group continue to be required to actively seek work and attend Jobcentre appointments as a condition of receiving Universal Credit. The IPS model works within the existing conditionality framework, with employment advisers taking a more collaborative approach to claimant commitments rather than a punitive sanctions-led approach. DWP guidance on the claimant commitment and sanctions regime is published at gov.uk.

Frequently asked questions

What is Individual Placement and Support?

IPS is an employment support model that pairs benefit claimants -- originally those with severe mental illness -- with a dedicated employment specialist. The specialist works with the claimant to find suitable paid employment, providing practical support with job searching, applications, and negotiating with employers, rather than generic group workshops or online tools.

Who qualifies for the expanded DWP personalised support?

The expansion targets out-of-work benefit claimants at newly added Jobcentre Plus sites. Specific eligibility criteria for the expanded programme will be confirmed by the DWP. Claimants should contact their Jobcentre for up-to-date information on availability at their local office.

Does this affect Universal Credit sanctions?

The expansion does not change UC conditionality rules or the sanctions regime. Claimants in the all-work-related requirements group still have a claimant commitment requiring active job seeking. The IPS model works within this framework, taking a more collaborative approach to identifying and removing barriers to work.

What is the Government's Get Britain Working target?

The Get Britain Working white paper, published November 2025, sets a target of moving one million more people into employment by 2030. The ONS Labour Force Survey estimated 9.4 million economically inactive people in late 2025. The policy combines Jobcentre reforms, Employment Zones, a Youth Guarantee, Work Capability Assessment changes, and expanded personalised support.

Where can I find out if the expanded support is available at my Jobcentre?

The DWP publishes updates on programme expansion at gov.uk. Claimants can also ask their Jobcentre work coach directly about IPS availability. The DWP will contact eligible claimants as the programme expands to new sites.