The parrot is not dead, just resting: The UK universal credit system – An empirical narrative

This paper provides a descriptive account of the implementation of Universal Credit, a flagship project of the UK Government. This is a system designed to simply the existing complex that constitutes welfare support to the unemployed, those on low incomes and those unable to work. This study draws upon a range of material, in particular official documents and Government debates. It reveals a system grounded in a vision, enshrined in law, that has been implemented in a manner which learns from experience, but which has overrun its initial roll-out deadline, as well as has drawn critical attention to the harm experienced by claimants enrolled onto the system. The outcome is controversy. This paper reveals in its narrative the tension between political ideology and pragmatic action. Critical analysis will be provided elsewhere.