Gloucestershire universal credit claimants face tough winter, says FSB
The temporary £20 a week uplift came to an end yesterday
People in Gloucestershire claiming universal credit are set to face a tough winter, according to the Federation of Small Businesses.
The £20-a-week increase, was brought in as a temporary measure to help those on low incomes hit financially by coronavirus lockdowns, has now come to an end.
It will affect just over 44,000 people in the county.
The Government has faced backlash over its decision, especially in the backdrop of the rising cost of energy and food.
However they are now urging people to find employment and wean their way off the benefit system.
But there are concerns people don't have the right skills which match the jobs available.
Sam Holliday, Development Manager at the Federation of Small Businesses in Gloucestershire, said: "Yes there are jobs available but you can't suddenly walk into a chef job or an HGV driver job.
"They take training, the take investment and they take time.
"So the vacancies are there but there isn't always the skills base to match the vacancies."
During the Tory Party conference, the prime minister pledged to 'level up' Britain and reshape the economy.
He's promised to do this by increasing wages, boosting skills and provide opportunities to people regardless of where they live.
Sam Holliday continued: "Unfortunately people who've got used to the temporary increase in Universal Credit are going to find it difficult.
"I think you can only sympathise with people in that position because yes, they should explore the job market but we've got to be realistic about it.
"They're not always going to be able to do the job they want to do which fits into their current lifestyle, for example parents who need to have childcare.
"Which again is another issue many people face. The cost of childcare is exorbitant and a lot of families don't have the means to afford to pay for that whilst on a minimum wage job."
What does the Government say?
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “We’ve always been clear that the uplift to Universal Credit was temporary. It was designed to help claimants through the economic shock and financial disruption of the toughest stages of the pandemic, and it has done so.
“Universal Credit will continue to provide vital support for those both in and out of work and it’s right that the Government should focus on our Plan for Jobs, supporting people back into work and supporting those already employed to progress and earn more.”