However, the
Department for Work & Pensions acknowledge that 1.8 million main earners will be worse off if they
take on extra hours under Universal Credit than they would have been previously and 300,000
second earners will also be penalised for taking on extra work.
Rebecca Blake, Labour Parliamentary
Spokesperson stated "Unfortunately Universal Credit has failed before it started. Not only is Universal Credit running
late but it is £100 million over budget already. And when benefits penalise people doing extra hours and working a
second job it's those who work hard who are hit the most. The benefits system does need changing. For those who can work, the overhaul we need is a culture of people getting
something for doing something rather than getting something for doing nothing. However, Universal Credit is another example
of the government saying one thing and doing another".
The
Coalition Government promised to protect the most vulnerable yet disabled
people are set to be worse off under Universal Credit. The decision to make claimants apply via the
internet, excludes many people who may have never used a computer or do not
have access to one and at the same time, Universal Credit will be paid monthly
instead of fortnightly. The reality of monthly
payments will be that families who struggle to put food on the table already
will now struggle for even longer periods.
