Universal Credit In-Work Progression Randomised Control Trial

With the roll out of the Universal Credit (UC) benefit the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is, for the first time, working with individuals to help them stay in employment and, where appropriate, support and encourage them to increase their earnings. DWP is taking a continuous learning approach to developing its offer for in-work UC claimants. The In-Work Progression (IWP) Randomised Control Trial (RCT), which ran between April 2015 and March 2018, had over 30,000 participants and is the first major piece of evidence building work to support the development of effective in-work services. The RCT aimed to test whether increased Work Coach support and applying UC benefit conditionality drove behaviours that led to earnings progression. This case study presents both qualitative and quantitative results from the RCT, the result of cross-profession collaboration between Operational Researchers, Social Researchers and Policy professionals. The presentation will also briefly set out DWP’s ongoing research and policy development to address low pay and progression following the RCT