SDLP Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said that while the number of Universal Credit claims has more than doubled, the Communities and Finance Minister are sitting on their hands and making no provision to bring in new staff to help our most vulnerable people.
Mr Durkan commented that the failure to bring in additional staff will lead to unbearable pressure on our benefits system and might force new claimants to wait months for their first payment, which is unacceptable.
Said the Foyle: “The number of Universal Credit claims have sky rocketed during the pandemic and are only set to increase in the months ahead.
“Despite Minister Hargey’s assurances to me last May that there were no capacity issues, it quickly became clear this was not the case and the Department estimated that they would need nearly 1500 additional staff.
“Although their planned recruitment of only 900 wasn’t enough, the SDLP welcomed it as a positive step and hoped it would provide job opportunities across the North.
“Unfortunately, none of these vacancies have been filled and Finance Minister Murphy has provided no funding to do so.
“This puts more pressure on our benefits system and could mean new Universal Credit claimants will be left to wait even longer than the already unacceptable 5 weeks for their first payment, causing even more hardship to families.
“It also means the loss of 900 potential good quality public sector jobs that could have provided employment for the very people who are now applying for Universal Credit and puts massive strain on an existing workforce that has been stretched to its limits.
“The failure of the Communities and Finance Ministers to follow through on their promises is putting unbearable strain on our work and benefits system, leading to financial distress for hard pressed families.”
