Grimsby's MP backs universal credit cut

Grimsby’s MP has said a wealth of job opportunities will make up for scrapping the Universal Credit boost.

Claimants were given a temporary £20 a week uplift to help out during the pandemic, which is set to end next month.

Six million people are likely to see their income fall when it is withdrawn in October.

Some MPs and the Local Government Association (LGA) have called for the uplift – which is worth around £1000 to each claimant per year – to be made permanent.

However, Lia Nici has said that employers are so desperate for workers that people who lose out will be able to make up the difference through higher income.

She urged jobseekers to take the chance to look for new opportunities.

The Grimsby MP said:

“The uplift was a temporary change due to the pandemic, and it should end as long as it coincides with the end of furlough.

“Every employer I speak to says they have huge staff shortages. There are a large number of jobs available for people right now.

“We should focus on getting as many as people as possible into well-paid positions.

“It isn’t fair to people who relied on furlough if the uplift continued while they went back to work.

“The minimum wage rise also means that more income will be coming into houses which earn the least.

“This is a great time for people to take advantage of programmes like the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, new qualifications and the number of jobs available.

“We know that it is going to take a while for the economy to get back to normal. But the fact that employers are desperate for people to take their jobs means that there are plenty of opportunities.

“My advice for people on Universal Credit would be to get themselves ready for work and look at ways to increase their income, whether through a better paid job or more hours.”

However, a new report conducted on behalf of the Trussell Trust revealed that three-quarters of people on Universal Credit are already struggling to keep up with their bills.

Some told the charity they were already skipping meals or buying essentials before the cut.