Universal Credit Calculations 'Will Use Spreadsheets' In Early Rollout

When the early rollout of Universal Credit begins next month in Manchester and Cheshire most of the benefit calculations will be done manually, rather than using the system being developed by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), according to sources close to the situation.  Computerworld UK has been told that the only part of the final £500 million system that will be used will be to book appointments at job centres, with some personal details stored and used again. However, all final Universal Credit calculations will be carried out using spreadsheets.  Earlier this month it was revealed that the Universal Credit’s programme director, Hilary Reynolds, had stepped down from her responsibilities and ‘moved on to other work’ within DWP just four months after being appointed.  Read more on the Computerworld website.