Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

We use cookies to improve your experience of our website. You can find out more or opt-out from some cookies.

Menu

“Still a way to go” on Universal Credit, Citizens Advice says

8 December 2015

Citizens Advice has today said Universal Credit has “a way to go” before it lives up to its promise. The national charity has highlighted the importance of people moving into stable jobs that support them going forward.

The Department for Work and Pensions have today published a new report, Universal Credit at Work, with research that  finds Universal Credit claimants are more likely to find work than Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants.

Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Gillian Guy said:

“There is still a way to go before Universal Credit lives up to its promise.

“Simplifying the benefits system and making every hour of work pay are good principles and it is encouraging that Universal Credit is leading more people into work. It is important that people move into stable jobs that can support them going forward, not just short-term or insecure work.

“In the last year we have helped people with over 8,000 Universal Credit problems, from those struggling with applications to delays in payments being received. The Government must address any emerging problems with Universal Credit as it is rolled out, and ensure that people have access to the right advice and support to help adapt to the new benefit.”

Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
  3. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.
  5. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication Advice trends.
  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.