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Universal Credit 'is working' ministers say Universal Credit 'is working' ministers say
(about 1 hour later)
People claiming the new Universal Credit benefit find work quicker, and earn more, than those on Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), the government says.People claiming the new Universal Credit benefit find work quicker, and earn more, than those on Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), the government says.
Its analysis suggests claimants in pilot areas were 13% more likely to have found work within four months than similar groups claiming JSA.Its analysis suggests claimants in pilot areas were 13% more likely to have found work within four months than similar groups claiming JSA.
Ministers say the new payments - to be rolled out nationally from Monday - have a "real impact on people's lives".Ministers say the new payments - to be rolled out nationally from Monday - have a "real impact on people's lives".
Labour wants to pause the expansion to check it provides value for money.Labour wants to pause the expansion to check it provides value for money.
Universal credit replaces six different benefits, including housing benefit, JSA and tax credits, and is currently available in nearly 100 job centres.Universal credit replaces six different benefits, including housing benefit, JSA and tax credits, and is currently available in nearly 100 job centres.
About 50,000 people in selected areas have claimed it since it was introduced in April 2013 - far fewer than the government originally said would be getting it by now.About 50,000 people in selected areas have claimed it since it was introduced in April 2013 - far fewer than the government originally said would be getting it by now.
Technological problems have caused delays and forced ministers to write off tens of millions of pounds.Technological problems have caused delays and forced ministers to write off tens of millions of pounds.
But from Monday the benefit will be made available in 150 job centres over the next two months, with all job centres due to be covered by next year.But from Monday the benefit will be made available in 150 job centres over the next two months, with all job centres due to be covered by next year.
Economy 'boost'Economy 'boost'
Ministers say that, once fully implemented, universal credit will boost the economy by £7bn every year.Ministers say that, once fully implemented, universal credit will boost the economy by £7bn every year.
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: "It is very impressive that we have seen these results so soon and that this is having a real impact on people's lives.Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: "It is very impressive that we have seen these results so soon and that this is having a real impact on people's lives.
"This is a cultural change which will alter the landscape of work for a generation. This government's welfare reforms have saved the taxpayer £50bn and restored fairness to the system.""This is a cultural change which will alter the landscape of work for a generation. This government's welfare reforms have saved the taxpayer £50bn and restored fairness to the system."
The research tracked claimants between July 2013 and April 2014 in Warrington, Wigan, Oldham and Ashton-Under-Lyne.The research tracked claimants between July 2013 and April 2014 in Warrington, Wigan, Oldham and Ashton-Under-Lyne.
Its results suggested those receiving Universal Credit were more likely than JSA claimants to believe the benefit system was encouraging them to find work, take any job they were able to do and spend more time looking for work.Its results suggested those receiving Universal Credit were more likely than JSA claimants to believe the benefit system was encouraging them to find work, take any job they were able to do and spend more time looking for work.
Are you claiming the Universal Credit benefit? You can email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your experience. Please include a telephone number if you are willing to be contacted by a BBC journalist.
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