Published: 2nd July 2020 Public Law Project has written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Dr Thérèse Coffey MP to urge the Government to extend the suspension of Universal Credit work requirements for at least another three months beyond 30 June. In light of the extra pressures the benefits system is enduring as a result of COVID-19, PLP has also offered the Department its support in helping claimants and work coaches to understand how claimant commitments can be better tailored to avoid unnecessary and unfair sanctioning. Read PLP’s letter to the Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, Secretary of State for Work and PensionsRead Mims Davies MP’s Parliamentary Answer of 1 July which acknowledges that: “Claimant commitments must be reasonable for the ‘new normal’, acknowledging the reality of a person’s local jobs market and personal circumstances to prepare them for getting back into work.” PLP’s work in this area over the last three years has consistently identified the need to ensure that claimants are aware that they can negotiate the terms of the claimant commitment which they must satisfy in order to receive their benefits, and that doing so will reduce the risk of unfair sanctions. Public Law Project has produced a website and a series of accessible leaflets to support the most vulnerable, including those experiencing mental health problems, homelessness, those with childcare responsibilities, care leavers, and victims of domestic abuse. We have received very positive feedback from claimants and advisers who have used these materials, and we are always keen to find ways of making this information available to those who need it. PLP also encourages those working with affected claimants to continue to keep in touch with us. The easiest way to do so is by emailing sanctions@publiclawproject.org.uk