Struggles of single mums fighting Tory benefit chaos
UC campaigners forced to use foodbanks
SINGLE working mums fighting the Universal Credit chaos have told how the benefits shake-up has plunged them into debt and forced them to use foodbanks to feed their children.
The four women who have taken their fight to the High Court rely on the meanstested handouts to top up their earnings.
But fluctuating pay dates can mean two salary payments fall within one of the new system’s fixed monthly assessment periods, registering as double pay and wiping out that month’s benefit – leaving them unable to afford essentials.
Care assistant Erin Barrett has had to use foodbanks repeatedly and twice tried to kill herself, judges heard.
Katie Stewart had to quit her job to find one with a pay date which suits the new system.
A third campaigner, dinner lady Danielle Johnson, was unable to pay her rent and forced into debt just to buy food. The fourth, occupational therapist Claire Woods, had to put her career on hold, went into debt and was forced to use a foodbank. She added: “I wanted to become free of welfare through my chosen profession but UC is holding me back from that.”
The four are calling for a change in the “irrational and discriminatory” system. Solicitor Tessa Gregory, for Ms Johnson, said once UC is fully rolled out the issue will hit “tens of thousands, if not more.” The Child Poverty Action Group’s lawyer Carla Clarke, representing the other women, called it “an injustice to hard-working parents”. Edward Brown, for Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd, said larger employers could change pay systems to suit UC.
The DWP said claimants missing out one month “may” get more the next month. Emily in magazine shoot EMILY Blunt strikes a tweet pose ahead of taking flight as Mary Poppins. The actress, 35, plays the nanny with a magical touch in a follow-up out next month. She said: “I decided not to be intimidated by the iconic Julie Andrews and just approached it as I would any other part.” The full chat is in Harper’s Bazaar, on sale December 4.