Heather Jameson 02 April 2020

Universal credit 'is key to hardship', says think tank

Universal credit is the ‘key to many families avoiding real hardship’, the Resolution Foundation think tank has claimed.

The welfare scheme, which has been widely criticised for its failures in the past, has been lauded as a last resort by the think tank’s chief executive, Torsten Bell after it emerged that nearly a million new claims had been made in the past fortnight.

Mr Bell said: ‘We have never seen anything like this – it is not remotely normal even in the grim circumstances of a recession. 

‘While attention has understandably focused on new retention and self-employment schemes, Universal Credit delivering in the face of this huge jobs shock is the key to many families avoiding real hardship.’  

The Department of Work and Pensions said almost 950,000 people had applied for Universal Credit in the past two weeks, following the coronavirus outbreak, up from around 100,000 in a normal two-week period.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner