5 March 2004 - Publication of DWP research report: Joint claims for JSA: age range extension – qualitative research
Research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions and carried out by BMRB Social Research, provides a qualitative evaluation of the age range extension of Joint Claims for JSA. It draws on evidence from in-depth interviews with Joint Claimants and Jobcentre staff in six areas. Key findings are:
- There was evidence that the extended Joint Claims had encouraged some previously dependent partners to consider working, as well as increasing job search activities among some main claimants.
- There was general support amongst staff for Joint Claims. Extension customers also generally accepted the policy. The most positive reactions came from previously dependent partners keen to work. However, there was resistance to change among some men with more traditional values.
- Customers in the extension age range had greater perceived barriers to work than younger Joint Claimants. These included health issues, limited work experience or qualifications, employer prejudice, and caring responsibilities. These barriers were most strongly felt by previously dependent partners.
- Customers were a diverse group in terms of lifestyle, relationships with partners, health and outlook.
- Jobcentre processes were not generally considered flexible enough to accommodate individuals’ or each couple’s varying needs. It was suggested that greater choice should be available to customers in terms of joint or single interviews, interview lengths, training options and signing procedures.
- There was felt to be potential for clearer communication of the rationale behind Joint Claims (including the Extension) to both staff and customers. There was a particular need for better explanation of the financial implications of couples’ actions.
- In theory Joint Claim customers can choose between an individual or joint interview when they first claim. However, whether they attended together or separately appeared to depend more upon adviser preference or Jobcentre policy.
- Joint interviews were felt to result in a better understanding of the couple’s circumstances. However, staff were more comfortable with the familiar format of single interviews, and needed more guidance in best practice for conducting joint interviews.
- Amongst staff, there was some confusion at contact centre/reception stage over exception/exemption criteria. There were also difficulties with Jobcentre IT systems, particularly JSAPS, which need to be improved.
- Jobcentre staff suggested that Joint Claims be extended further to older couples and those with school-age children, provided that careful consideration was given to the potential impact on Jobcentre workloads.
Notes for editors
- ‘“Joint Claims for JSA: Age Range Extension – Qualitative Research”’ by Penelope Tapp and Andrew Thomas is published on 5 March 2004.
- A summary and copy of the report are available from DWP Research Management (0114 209 8275), or the DWP website www.dwp.gov.uk
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