The government and particularly Rachel Reeves have been accused of being “out of touch” as official figures shows that 1.1 million people are now claimants of Universal Credit.
In October figures shows there is now 8.3 million people in the UK claiming the benefit, this is the largest increase claims for Universal Credit in the 12 months to April 2021.
People who are in the “no work requirements” section includes those in full time education, state pension age or a person with a child under the age of one years old, including people who will have no prospect of ever working.
Michelle Lawson, Director at Lawson Financial, said the figures are utterly “shocking,” as Universal Credit is “becoming a way of life for a good number of the public”.
She warned there will be more hard times ahead, adding, “Is this too generous? Can the handouts continue?
“With such a punitive economic climate and families struggling, turning to the public purse should be a last resort but so many rely on this for an income stream.
“With the upcoming Budget and the threat of a further rise in unemployment due to additional tax rises, I would expect these figures to increase, which is a bleak outlook not only for families but the flailing, out-of-touch Government.”
Sam Alsop-Hall, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder at Clive Henry Group, warned there has been a large increase in people claiming Universal Credit to 8.3 million, adding it is “flashing red light for Labour’s economic experiment”.
Alsop-Hall said, “This is not social justice, it is slow-motion sabotage of ambition.
“The rise in people with no work requirements and the drop in childcare support show a system that traps people instead of empowering them.
“Labour’s obsession with redistribution over growth is draining the life out of the economy and crushing confidence in business.”
A DWP spokesperson said: “The number of people receiving universal credit has been increasing as we have invited tens of thousands of people each month to move from legacy benefits as they become phased out.
“We’re determined to get more people off welfare and into work. That’s why we are stepping up our plan to Get Britain Working with the most ambitious employment reforms in a generation. This includes modernising jobcentres and providing tailored support through the Connect to Work programme.
“Every eligible young person who has been on universal credit for 18 months without earning or learning will also be offered guaranteed paid work through our Youth Guarantee.”
Leave a Comment