David Gauke: Universal credit reversal could mean 250,000 fewer jobs
1 min read
A U-turn on Universal Credit could result in 250,000 fewer people in work, the Work and Pensions Secretary has said.
David Gauke defied Tory rebel MPs yesterday as he said the roll-out of the policy pledge was “proceeding to plan, gradually and sensibly”.
More than 25 Tory MPs are reportedly prepared to vote against the Government on controversial welfare reforms.
Backbenchers are threatening to block the roll-out of Universal Credit amid concerns over its impact on claimants.
The scheme has faced criticism after claims that it is forcing people into rent arrears and homelessness, including from former Conservative Prime Minister John Major.
Speaking over the weekend, he called the system "operationally messy, socially unfair and unforgiving".
Asked about his comments, Mr Gauke told the Commons yesterday: “The evidence so far shows that those who go into universal credit are more likely to be working six months later than they would have been had they been on the legacy benefits.”
He added that a policy reversal would cost a quarter of a million jobs: “I will not deny those people that opportunity”.
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