Section 17: Work search requirement

Welfare Reform Act 2012 · 2012 c. 5View on legislation.gov.uk

Part 1: Universal credit — CHAPTER 2: Claimant responsibilities

In this Part a "work search requirement" is a requirement that a claimant take—

all reasonable action, and
any particular action specified by the Secretary of State,

for the purpose of obtaining paid work (or more paid work or better-paid work).

The Secretary of State may under subsection (1)(b) specify the time to be devoted to any particular action.

Action which may be specified under subsection (1)(b) includes in particular—

carrying out work searches;
making applications;
creating and maintaining an online profile;
registering with an employment agency;
seeking references;
any action prescribed for the purpose in subsection (1).

Regulations may impose limitations on a work search requirement by reference to the work to which it relates; and the Secretary of State may in any particular case specify further such limitations on such a requirement.

A limitation under subsection (4) may in particular be by reference to—

work of a particular nature,
work with a particular level of remuneration,
work in particular locations, or
work available for a certain number of hours per week or at particular times,

and may be indefinite or for a particular period.

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Reuse reviewed 21 August 2026 under Open Government Licence v3.0.