The Prime Minister:...We are, of course, very much aware of the
issues faced by the self-employed and those on zero-hours
contracts. I should stress that some of them will be entitled to
statutory sick pay—[Interruption.] A great many. Others will be
entitled to help through the existing system, such as
universal credit. We are urgently looking at the
application process to reflect on the advice on self-isolation. I
think that members of the public have appreciated the way that,
hitherto, Members have come together across the Floor of this House
to deal with the crisis. I think it would be common ground between
us all that we would want to do everything we can to avoid
penalising those who are doing the right thing.
: The Prime Minister is
not being clear about this. The reality is that, if a person is
on universal credit or has just been put on to
it, they have a five-week wait before they get any benefits. Will
he be absolutely clear that nobody—nobody—will have to choose
between health and hardship, because it is a matter of public
health concern for everybody?
(Gateshead) (Lab): Karbon
Homes, a registered social landlord, has over 30,000 homes in the
north and north-east. Detailed research that it has conducted
shows that the five-week delay in universal
credit payments ensures that many families amass huge
rent arrears before receiving anything and are trapped in debt
for years. Some 72% of its tenants on universal
credit are now in significant rent arrears, with over
half of them technically destitute. The Prime Minister’s mantra
that work is the route out of poverty is true only if there are
jobs that are full time, permanent and decently paid. When will
he stop this deliberate policy of inflicting impoverishment and
destitution on tenants of Karbon Homes and other registered
social landlords in the north-east?
The Prime Minister: I am happy to study the particular case
that the hon. Gentleman raises. Universal credit
is available from day one—[Interruption]—and I stick firmly to my
belief that the best route out of poverty is not benefits but
work, and what this Government have achieved is record low
unemployment and record gains in employment across the country.
Wages are now rising—[Interruption.] They don’t want to hear it,
but the truth is that wages are now rising for the low-paid as
well.
