People receiving Universal Credit will have to look for jobs outside their chosen field after just one month under Government plans to push more people into work.

Ministers want 500,000 jobseekers in work by the end of June, with a campaign targeted at those on Universal Credit.

The Government said the data showed that the demand for workers was there, with 1.2 million vacancies – 59% higher than before the pandemic.

What are the Universal Credit changes 2022?

In a major change to the Universal Credit system, unemployed workers will have to look for jobs outside of their preferred line of work after one month.

The current time frame is three months but the UK government has drawn up plans to get 500,000 jobseekers into work by the end of June 2022.

Hospitality, social care and construction are all areas in need of workers and, in a bid to fill vacancies across sectors, ministers have introduced new plans.

Why are changes to Universal Credit being made?

Government says there are 1.2 million job vacancies at present - 59% higher than before the Covid pandemic hit in early 2020 - and want unemployed workers to fill the void.

The push - dubbed Way to Work - will see jobseekers forced to widen their search for employment outside of their chosen sector or face financial sanctions.

These include sanctions to their benefits if they are deemed to not be making a reasonable effort to secure a role, or if they turn down a job offer.

What has the UK government said about Universal Credit changes?

Ministers have come out backing the changes to the Universal Credit system, claiming it will boost the “jobs-led recovery”.

Work and Pensions secretary Therese Coffey said: “Helping people get any job now, means they can get a better job and progress into a career.

“Way to Work is a step change in our offer to claimants and employers, making sure our jobcentre network and excellent work coaches can deliver opportunities, jobs and prosperity to all areas of the country.”

Rishi Sunak, chancellor of the exchequer, said: “It’s important that everyone has the opportunity and support to find a good job to help them get on in life.

“That’s why we’re doubling down on our Plan for Jobs with this new campaign to harness the talent of jobseekers and support employers to fill vacancies, find work and create new opportunities.

“Together we will boost this country’s jobs-led recovery.”

What has been the reaction to Universal Credit changes?

Though there has been a mixed response from others, with Labour saying it could do more harm than good.

Alison McGovern, Labour’s shadow employment minister, said: “This announcement has more to do with trying to save the Prime Minister’s job than supporting people into work.

“It’s just tinkering at the edges – long-term unemployment is 60% higher than before the pandemic.

“People should be supported into good jobs that match their skills, which would give them a better chance to secure work long-term.”

In addition, the Guardian reports the National Audit Office found no evidence that benefit sanctions work and that they were just as likely to push people into stop claiming benefits without getting a job.