No versions valid at: 04/04/2016
Point in time view as at 04/04/2016. This version of this cross heading contains provisions that are not valid for this point in time.
The Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015, Cross Heading: Work-related requirements is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 06 March 2025. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
Valid from 02/05/2016
20.—(1) In this Part a “work-focused interview requirement” is a requirement that a claimant participate in one or more work-focused interviews as specified by the Department.
(2) A work-focused interview is an interview for prescribed purposes relating to work or work preparation.
(3) The purposes which may be prescribed under paragraph (2) include in particular that of making it more likely in the opinion of the Department that the claimant will obtain paid work (or more paid work or better-paid work).
(4) The Department may specify how, when and where a work-focused interview is to take place.
21.—(1) In this Part a “work preparation requirement” is a requirement that a claimant take particular action specified by the Department for the purpose of making it more likely in the opinion of the Department that the claimant will obtain paid work (or more paid work or better-paid work).
(2) The Department may under paragraph (1) specify the time to be devoted to any particular action.
(3) Action which may be specified under paragraph (1) includes in particular—
(a)attending a skills assessment;
(b)improving personal presentation;
(c)participating in training;
(d)participating in an employment programme;
(e)undertaking work experience or a work placement;
(f)developing a business plan;
(g)any action prescribed for the purpose in paragraph (1).
(4) In the case of a person with limited capability for work, the action which may be specified under paragraph (1) includes taking part in a work-focused health-related assessment.
(5) In paragraph (4) “” means an assessment by a health care professional approved by the Department which is carried out for the purpose of assessing—
(a)the extent to which the person's capability for work may be improved by taking steps in relation to that person's physical or mental condition, and
(b)such other matters relating to that person's physical or mental condition and the likelihood of that person obtaining or remaining in work or being able to do so as may be prescribed.
(6) In paragraph (5) “health care professional” means—
(a)a registered medical practitioner,
(b)a registered nurse,
(c)an occupational therapist or physiotherapist registered with a regulatory body established by an Order in Council under section 60 of the Health Act 1999, or
(d)a member of such other profession regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 as may be prescribed.
22.—(1) In this Part a “work search requirement” is a requirement that a claimant take—
(a)all reasonable action, and
(b)any particular action specified by the Department,
for the purpose of obtaining paid work (or more paid work or better-paid work).
(2) The Department may under paragraph (1)(b) specify the time to be devoted to any particular action.
(3) Action which may be specified under paragraph (1)(b) includes in particular—
(a)carrying out work searches;
(b)making applications;
(c)creating and maintaining an online profile;
(d)registering with an employment agency;
(e)seeking references;
(f)any action prescribed for the purpose in paragraph (1).
(4) Regulations may impose limitations on a work search requirement by reference to the work to which it relates; and the Department may in any particular case specify further such limitations on such a requirement.
(5) A limitation under paragraph (4) may in particular be by reference to—
(a)work of a particular nature,
(b)work with a particular level of remuneration,
(c)work in particular locations, or
(d)work available for a certain number of hours per week or at particular times,
and may be indefinite or for a particular period.
23.—(1) In this Part a “work availability requirement” is a requirement that a claimant be available for work.
(2) For the purposes of this Article “available for work” means able and willing immediately to take up paid work (or more paid work or better-paid work).
(3) Regulations may impose limitations on a work availability requirement by reference to the work to which it relates; and the Department may in any particular case specify further such limitations on such a requirement.
(4) A limitation under paragraph (3) may in particular be by reference to—
(a)work of a particular nature,
(b)work with a particular level of remuneration,
(c)work in particular locations, or
(d)work available for a certain number of hours per week or at particular times,
and may be indefinite or for a particular period.
(5) Regulations may for the purposes of paragraph (2) define what is meant by a person being able and willing immediately to take up work.
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