Universal Credit plans criticised as 'utterly shameful' by north MSP
A NORTH MSP has branded plans by the UK Government to penalise Universal Credit claimants who have not found work within four weeks as "utterly shameful."
Maree Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said the latest campaign from the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP), called ‘Way to Work’ will impose strict rules which could see people face sanctions four weeks after their initial claim if they’re found to not be making reasonable efforts to find and secure work in any sector. Claimants will be sanctioned should they refuse work, even if the job has nothing to do with their skills, experience, training or demands unsuitable hours, she stated.
Mrs Todd said:"It is utterly shameful that amid a cost of living crisis, the UK government is moving to inflict further hardship on those already under financial pressure.
"In rural constituencies like mine, there are several reasons why finding suitable employment can take time. Take travel, for instance, many of my constituents rely on public transport to get to and from work. Under these new rules, my constituents will be sanctioned for not accepting employment, even if the hours are unworkable due to public transport timetables.
"Childcare is also another factor many have to consider when seeking new employment. These regressive plans from the UK government will put significant stress on families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
"This is not a government that is serious about alleviating the pressures of the cost of living crisis and supporting those into work, instead they are trying to push people into sectors that are experiencing work shortages due to Brexit.
"This move is also set against a backdrop of absolutely shameful rule-breaking from No 10, which sees Boris Johnson face no sanction."
She pointed out that a different approach is being taken north of the border.
"The Scottish Government is firmly committed to doing things differently from the DWP and is introducing a new, simplified, empathetic system that works for the people of Scotland.
"From the Scottish Child Payment to the newly launched Adult Disability Payment – this is a government focused on delivering a fairer system, with dignity and respect at its heart," added Mrs Todd.