Union leaders call for urgent boost to Universal Credit
Union leaders are calling for an emergency boost to Universal Credit to help people get through the coronavirus crisis.
The TUC said that without an urgent increase, unemployment support will be lower in real terms during the current outbreak than during the mass unemployment peaks of the 1980s and 1990s.
A new report published by the TUC said that in 1984 when jobless levels were at 11%, unemployment benefit was worth a quarter of average earnings.
In 1993 when joblessness rose to over 10% the basic rate of unemployment benefit was worth a fifth of average pay.
But today - even after the recent increase of £20 a week - the basic rate of Universal Credit is worth a sixth of average weekly pay at £94 a week, said the report.
With an expected increase in unemployment, more support is needed to help those who lose their jobs, argued the TUC.
General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Unions have worked closely with Government during this crisis to protect livelihoods, but there is still more to do.
"People who lose their jobs must get the support they need to make ends meet and to get back on their feet.
"If we don't urgently boost Universal Credit many risk being plunged into poverty.
"We need a social security system that can deal with the current pandemic and beyond. It's time to start a national conversation about how we repair Britain's safety net and help those who fall on hard times to bounce back."
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "Universal Credit is delivering vital support to millions of people in these unprecedented times, and from today payments will rise by up to £1,040 a year.
"This Government is committed to doing whatever it takes to help those affected by Covid-19 and has announced over £6.5 billion of additional measures through the welfare system."
Published: by Radio NewsHub