Research and analysis

Research with self-employed Universal Credit claimants

This report summarises the characteristics of self-employed Universal Credit (UC) claimants during Autumn 2020-2021.

• From: Department for Work and Pensions
• Published: 29 February 2024
• Last updated: 5 April 2024 — See all updates

Documents

Research with self-employed Universal Credit claimants: Technical note

HTML

Research with self-employed Universal Credit claimants: Wave 1

Ref: ISBN 978-1-78659-635-2, RN 88

HTML

Research with self-employed Universal Credit claimants Wave 2.

Ref: ISBN 978-1-78659-638-3, RN 89

HTML

Research with self-employed Universal Credit claimants: Technical note

PDF, 215 KB, 10 pages

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Research with self-employed Universal Credit claimants: Wave 1

Ref: ISBN 978-1-78659-635-2, RR 88

MS PowerPoint Presentation, 3.55 MB

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Research with self-employed Universal Credit claimants: Wave 2

Ref: ISBN 978-1-78659-638-3, RR 89

MS PowerPoint Presentation, 7.14 MB

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Details

Research background

We commissioned this report, prior to the pandemic, to better understand the characteristics and circumstances of self-employed claimants, the nature of their self-employed work, and their barriers, support needs, and plans for the future.

The unforeseen impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant rise in claimants, including amongst the self-employed. The conditionality for all Universal Credit claimants was halted over this period. As such, the findings have also looked to consider and compare claimants on the caseload before and those who started claiming during the pandemic.

Research value

This research has helped the Department understand the significant changes in the self-employed caseload brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic. It has helped policy makers and operational staff to understand the barriers and support needs of self-employed claimants.

Published 29 February 2024
Last updated 5 April 2024 + show all updates

1. 5 April 2024

   Added HTML versions of Research with self-employed Universal Credit claimants technical note, Wave 1 and Wave 2.

2. 29 February 2024

   First published.