Universal Credit: Inside the Welfare State

BBC Two England

England

Simulcast of network BBC Two in high definition.

BBC Two HD

Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

BBC Two Wales

BBC Two Northern Ireland

Simulcast of BBC Two Northern Ireland in high definition

BBC Two Northern Ireland HD

Technical Replacement

Simulcast of BBC Two Wales in high definition

BBC Two Wales HD

Factual

Factual: Life Stories

Following the designers of the new benefit system, Jobcentres staff and the claimants.

Following the people designing the new benefit system, the staff in Jobcentres and the claimants living on Universal Credit.

Series 1

Sarah Waldron

Tom Swingler

Chris McLaughlin

Universal Credit: Inside the Welfare State: Series 1: Episode 1

Documentaries

Episode 1

BBC Two - Universal Credit: Inside the Welfare State, Series 1, Episode 1

Rachel moved onto Universal Credit after leaving her NHS career to care for her parents.

At Peckham Jobcentre in London, Rachel has recently moved onto Universal Credit after leaving her 27-year NHS career to become a carer for her ill parents.

Universal Credit is the biggest change to the benefits system in a generation. By 2023, nearly seven million people will be claiming it. But it has been controversial, with critics arguing the new system of advances and monthly payments is causing hardship and pushing people into poverty. With unprecedented access to the Department for Work and Pensions, this three-part series follows the people designing the new benefit system, the staff in Jobcentres and the claimants living on Universal Credit.
 
The first episode follows the staff and claimants at Peckham Jobcentre in London. New claimant Rachel has recently moved onto Universal Credit after leaving her 27-year career in the NHS to become a carer for her ill parents. Declan, 46, has been made homeless. With 19 days to wait before his next Universal Credit payment, he is forced to sleep in the local park. Staff member Karen has worked in the Jobcentre for over 30 years and reveals she has a second job just to make ends meet.

And in Westminster, the team meet Neil Couling, director general of Universal Credit and the person responsible for keeping the reforms on track.

Universal Credit: Inside the Welfare State: Series 1

BBC Two

BBC Two is a TV channel that started broadcasting on the 20th April 1964.

BBC 2

BBC2

BBC Two is a lively channel of depth and substance, carrying a range of knowledge-building programming complemented by great drama, comedy and arts.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Universal Credit: Inside the Welfare State

Series 1

Episode 1

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Two Wales HD

About BBC Two