Employment support and in-work conditionality form a central part of the contemporary welfare system. As these policies have expanded in scope and intensity, their design and delivery continue to evolve across the UK, not least as elements of implementation and oversight are devolved. Exposure to conditionality and sanctions is broadly similar in policy terms across the UK due to parity of the approach underpinning Universal Credit, but employment support is devolved to varying extents across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Drawing on interviews conducted as part of the Devolved Conversations project, this briefing explores participants’ experiences of employment support, conditionality, and sanctions across the UK. Experiences of conditionality and sanctions appeared to be broadly consistent between the four countries and, crucially, were not limited to those out of work. Indeed, conditionality remained a significant challenge for those already in employment, particularly those with caring responsibilities or fluctuating hours. Overall, while employment support and social security are partially devolved, participants’ experiences point to the enduring influence of the centralised Universal Credit system, which shapes both access to support and the operation of conditionality across all four countries.

This research shows not only the transformative potential of some employment support interventions for parents and carers living on low incomes across the UK but also how much more could be done to signpost to support. Examples of effective support were identified, but these were typically accessed by chance, rather than through systematic referral.

Participant recommendations include:

• Improve awareness of, access to, and integration of employment support
• Strengthen personalised and wraparound support centred on lived realities
• Expand access to affordable and flexible childcare
• Reframe conditionality to recognise employment and reduce unnecessary burdens