Laura Sharman 30 September 2020

Automated benefit system 'pushing people into poverty'

The UK’s automated benefits systems is threatening the rights of people most at risk of poverty, campaigners have warned.

A new report from Human Rights Watch argues the government’s ‘flawed’ algorithm for Universal Credit is causing people to go hungry, experience psychological distress and fall into debt.

It argues that the algorithm that measures how much people are entitled to each month only reflects the wages people receive within a calendar month, and not how frequently they are paid.

Amos Toh, senior artificial intelligence and human rights researcher at Human Rights Watch, said: ‘The Government has put a flawed algorithm in charge of deciding how much money to give people to pay rent and feed their families.

’The government’s bid to automate the benefits system – no matter the human cost – is pushing people to the brink of poverty.’

It proposes moving to shorter periods of income assessment or using averaged earnings over long periods to decide payment amounts.

Photo: Michaelasbest / Shutterstock.com

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy)

North Northamptonshire Council
£46,731-£49,764
We are looking for an experienced professional to join North Northamptonshire Council as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy). Sheerness House, 41 Meadow Road, Kettering moving to Haylock House, Kettering Parkway, Kettering NN15 6EY, United Kingdom
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Capital Delivery Manager

South Wales Trunk Road Agent
£50,788 - £52,805
To be responsible for the implementation of Welsh Government’s Renewal and Upgrade programme. Baglan, Port Talbot
Recuriter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Engineer x 2

Hounslow London Borough Council
£47,532 –£55,620 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI Chelmsford

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI ChelmsfordFixed Term, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 Per Annum, Full Time EquivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£77136 - £88230 per annum
Shape a fairer future for children with special educational needs.As Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chel England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner