MEMBERS of the Labour party gathered in Worcester to call for Universal Credit to be stopped.

A survey was published on August 1 to coincide with a national day of action against Universal Credit. As part of the activities, the Worcestershire branch trade union Unite held a stall and leafleting session in Cranham Shopping Centre, Warndon.

Members campaigned for an end to the new benefits system and for it to be replaced with a social security system, similar to the previous one.

Councillor Lynn Denham said: "We want to change the culture of the social security system from one that demonises people not in work to one that is supportive.

“The purpose of the street stall was to highlight that Universal Credit is causing holiday hunger and to invite people to sign a petition. As councillors we are contacted by people pushed onto Universal Credit who are struggling with paying their rent, bills and feeding their children because they don’t get enough money to cover everything, even though many are working.

“Our social security system is supposed to be a safety net for when people fall on hard times."

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"However, the Conservatives have turned Universal Credit into a system which actively pushes working families into poverty and holiday hunger.”

Universal Credit rolls six benefits, including income support, jobseeker’s allowance and housing benefit, into one monthly payment. It has been rolled out across the UK so that anyone making a new claim, or anyone declaring a change in circumstances, will receive Universal Credit rather than one of the old benefits.

Mike Cross from Worcester Trades Union Council said: “We had good support and we heard a number of sad stories from people who have been moved over to Universal Credit.”

A Government spokesman said: “This is a self-selecting survey made up of 0.05% of the total number of households supported by Universal Credit.

“Universal Credit is now rolled out to every jobcentre in the UK, and more than two million people are receiving support. Universal Credit is simpler than the old system, gives more personalised support, and helps people into work quicker.”