The Welfare Conditionality (Welcond) and Sanctions, Support and Service Leavers (SSSL) Projects: Improving Domestic and International Social Security Policy and Practice

The Welfare Reform Act 2012 and subsequent introduction of Universal Credit (UC) is widely
recognised as the most fundamental reform of the social security system since its inception.
When fully implemented, UC will cover approximately 7,000,000 people in the UK. Research
evidence and recommendations provided by Prof. Scullion into the impact of these reforms on
marginalised populations – including military veterans, migrants and disabled people – have
informed debate and achieved demonstrable policy and practice influence at national and
international level. Specifically, recommendations directly influenced responses from the UK
Government and devolved administrations as well as the Organisation for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) to the implementation of social security. This resulted in
a reduction in the waiting period for UC first payment (from 6+ weeks to 5 weeks); the
introduction of a benefit sanctions warning pilot; and a GBP5,000,000 UK Government
investment to enhance its Armed Forces Champions network. Salford’s research also informed
the development of the UK’s first ever Veterans’ Strategy and Ministry of Defence Holistic
Transition Policy.

This case study was submitted to REF 2021. For more information and to download the full case study, click here.