Universal Credit and Modern Employment
20 April 2018
Two short reports on the challenges facing working people moving onto Universal Credit and the ways these could be addressed
Welfare policy research
Welfare and benefits forms the largest area of advice we deliver at Citizens Advice. This gives us some of the clearest insights into the way in which the system works and the challenges it poses.
Our research is focused on using our data and expertise to make the case for a system which is more responsive to the needs and circumstances of its users. This includes helping policymakers understand the impact of changes, working for better service design and highlighting the importance of robust advice and support.
Find out about all our welfare policy work.
Universal Credit and debt
11 September 2017
Our evidence shows that the roll out of universal credit has an adverse impact on debt problems. DWP should pause roll out to fix the problems we have identified. Our analysis shows Universal Credit is pushing people further into debt. The Government needs to pause Universal Credit roll-out and fix the problems now.
Fixing Universal Credit
06 July 2017
A report on the implementation of Universal Credit and the issues Citizens Advice is seeing so far.
Secure and steady incomes
11 August 2016
A collection of short reports highlighting the importance of income security
Welfare reform and working people
19 July 2016
Citizens Advice reports on the impact of welfare reform on working people
Welfare reform and essential bills: mitigating the impact on people’s ability to pay
27 January 2022
Exploring the impact of welfare reform and the progress that utilities companies and other creditors have made to debt prevention and collection practices.
The importance of income security
12 June 2016
Research based on polling that analysed insecurity in the labour market.
Cutting back: dealing with changes in income
23 November 2015
Results of our online survey where we asked people how a drop in income would affect them and what changes they might make to try to adapt to it.
Welfare reform impact analysis
24 July 2015
A collection of reports assessing the Government's plans for further welfare reform
Responsive welfare
28 January 2015
There are debates and opinions about the right approach to welfare reform. But we see more of the successes, failures and human impacts of the welfare system than any other organisation.
Pop goes the payslip
02 April 2014
At a time when living standards are stagnating, housing costs are rising and the jobs market is unpredictable the tax and benefits system must provide certainty and stability. Universal credit was designed to do this.The Government’s promise to make people better off for each hour they work is in danger of being broken.
Rebalancing universal credit: Making it work for disabled people
11 September 2014
This report focuses on support for disabled people under universal credit. Whilst we support the principles of universal credit, our analysis shows two important types of problems that will particularly affect disabled people; one relating to work incentives, the other concerning out of work support
Limited capability
07 December 2009
CAB evidence on the first year of employment and support allowance administration
Barriers to work
05 November 2008
Citizens Advice evidence briefing on lone parents and the challenges of working.