People getting the government’s new Universal Credit often have to wait six weeks for their first money and this is causing them problems with their bills, according to a new report. Some have had to turn to food banks. Waiting for Credit is a new report written by a group of 16…Read more…
Saving Our Safety Net Fact of the Week: Unions reduce inequality
I take every opportunity I can to promote The Union Advantage – it’s a TUC pamphlet that sets out the reasons why workers are better off in unions. It sets out all the hard-nosed “what’s in it for me?” stuff like higher pay rises, safer workplaces and fairer treatment. But I’m proud that it…Read more…
Saving Our Safety Net Fact of the Week: even small victories should be celebrated
Last year we began our Saving Our Safety Net campaign by focusing on the “Five Week Wait” for benefits. One of the policies that will force thousands of new claimants to spend weeks with no income is the introduction of seven “waiting days”, which were due to be brought in next month for Universal…Read more…
Saving Our Safety Net Fact of the Week: 58 per cent of benefit cuts will hit working families
As we come up to the election, the government’s plans for benefit cuts are going to be a vital issue. The reality of this policy is that most of these cuts have hit families in working poverty, but the politics of this debate mean that the key issue is whether the government can persuade…Read more…
Saving Our Safety Net Fact of the Week: 145,000 people using food banks because of benefit delays
I have difficult feelings whenever I see a report about the Trussell Trust. On the one hand, I admire them more than any other charity (and I kick myself if I get to the check-out at the Co-op and realise I’ve forgotten to include a tin for the food bank). But on the other hand…Read more…