More than 100,000 people in part-time employment could face a benefit cut if they fail to properly look for more work, the Chancellor announced in his mini-budget on Friday. Among a range of measures revealed by Kwasi Kwarteng is a significant shake-up of the benefits system.
The Tory Chancellor announced, during his statement, a rise in the number of hours a week on the National Living Wage people will have to work in order to still claim Universal Credit. The current threshold is nine hours a week on the National Living Wage, however it will rise to 12 hours from Monday.
Kwarteng announced earlier it will rise again to 15 hours per week. Those claiming could have their benefits sanctioned if they fail to take active steps to boost their income. Under the new changes, claimants aged over 50 will also get extra support from work coaches, while the newly unemployed will receive nine months of targeted sessions.
