It comes after a surge in applications for Universal Credit and other benefit applications as thousands have lost their jobs. 

The coronavirus pandemic has caused havoc for self-employed workers and benefit claimants.

Self-isolation and government enforced closures have led to people struggling with finances.

Policy editor for BBC Newsnight Lewis Goodall confirmed the government body is looking for a massive increase of staff.

He also said that the department will likely be looking for more workers in the near future.

He tweeted: “I understand the DWP is looking to recruit 2000 staff (mainly from other departments) to process the deluge of Universal Credit/benefit applications they’ve had and expect to receive in the coming weeks.   “

The 2,000 staff will be handling claims for increased Universal Credit.

They will likely be temporary positions, in place to handle the pandemic’s pressure on public services

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The DWP announced that they’ve had almost half a million claims received in nine days.

Around 477’000 benefit claims have been “processed” since last Tuesday.

DWP Permanent Secretary Peter Schofield said: “The best way to deliver at these volumes is to keep the system as it’s going and to drive it forward.”

He has resisted calls for changes, such as removing the five week waiting period for Universal Credit.

Rishi Sunak announced an increase in Universal Credit and other benefits for claimants in response to coronavirus’ rapid impact on the UK economy.

For benefit claimants, the chancellor announced an increase in the standard allowance of Universal Credit.

The minimum allowance has been increased by £1000 for the next 12 months.

He also increased the Working Tax Credit basic element by the same amount.

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The chancellor has also included statutory sick pay for self-employed workers.

They will have to claim this through the Universal Credit Scheme.

Currently, statutory sick pay in the UK through the credit system is at £94.25 a week.

Claimants can receive sick payments for up to 28 weeks.

The Chancellor is expected to announce further provisions for the self-employed. 

It’s expected to be a partial reimbursement of lost earnings, based on the same caps as fully employed workers.

This would mean that any recently declared income would have to be equal to the scheme for furloughed workers to receive the state pay out.

The chancellor will make his announcement in full on Thursday.

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