Universal credit pilot continues

The government’s Universal Credit scheme for jobseekers has another seven months to run in areas across England, Scotland and Wales.

Until October 31 2015, anyone who is in receipt of Universal Credit is entitled to an NHS sight test and optical vouchers.

An update from the Optical Confederation said this was a temporary arrangement, with the Department of Health to issue further guidance about future arrangements ‘in due course’. It said at present GOS forms had still not been updated to include a Universal Credit option, meaning the ‘income-based jobseekers allowance’ box should still be used on GOS 1, 3, 4 and 6 forms.