Finance expert Martin Lewis has issued a warning for people claiming universal credit following chancellor Jeremy Hunt's budget announcement. On Wednesday Mr Hunt revealed "more rigorous" sanctions will be applied to encourage people on Universal Credit benefits into work.
Addressing the House of Commons, he said: "There are more than two million jobseekers in this group, more than enough to fill every single vacancy in the economy." Jeers were heard from the SNP as Mr Hunt claimed "independence is always better than dependence".
He continued: "Sanctions will be applied more rigorously to those who fail to meet strict work-search requirements or choose not to take up a reasonable job offer. For those working low hours, we will increase the Administrative Earnings Threshold from the equivalent of 15 hours to 18 hours at National Living Wage for an individual claimant, meaning that anyone working below this level will receive more work coach support alongside a more intensive conditionality regime."
Throughout the announcement Martin Lewis has shared an analysis of the spring budget in a series of posts on Twitter. He warned job seekers that it would become harder to continue claiming if they do not take up "appropriate" work.
Martin Lewis said: "Universal credit 2m jobseekers will have more rigorous sanctions - if they don't take 'appropriate' work. So it's going to be tougher for people who don't work and who govt thinks can."
Fans of Martin replied to his tweet to share their thoughts on the announcement. One said: "If only it was that easy to get a job. I apply every single day for jobs but still nothing, it’s deflating and makes you feel rubbish. With three children and a working partner it’s not easy to get the right hours, I would give my right arm for someone to give me a job right now."
Another said: "Putting rigorous sanctions for jobseekers who refuse to work in certain jobs is not the best method. Instead career coaches and recruitment advisers should do better to help match jobs to job seekers into their desired work and passionate industries."
However, in a later tweet Martin welcomed an extension to the Help to Save scheme, which gives a 50% boost to many on Universal Credit who use the scheme. Martin Wrote: "It was due to close in September, I'm pleased to see it has now been extended so new applicants can apply until April 2025."
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