Jonathan Reynolds responds to Thérèse Coffey’s remarks on the Conservatives’ cut to Universal Credit

Jonathan Reynolds MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, responding to Thérèse Coffey’s remarks this morning on the Conservatives’ cut to Universal Credit, said:

“The Secretary of State’s comments this morning were an insult to hard working families facing this cut. One in 14 British workers will lose out, including 660,000 key workers.

“Her own government’s analysis revealed this cut would be ‘catastrophic’ leading to more poverty, more debt and an increased risk of homelessness.

“Labour will force a vote this week to give every MP the chance to back struggling families and cancel this cut.”

Ends

Notes to editors

• A single parent claiming housing support working full-time would need to work an extra 10 hours a week to get back to pre-cut income rather than the two hours the Secretary of State suggested

• A single parent working full time on the national living wage and claiming Universal Credit:

• • With £20 uplift - £2229.54 (40 hours)

  • Without £20 uplift - £2155.48 (42 hours)

  • Without £20 uplift - £2228.69 (49 hours)

  • Without £20 uplift - £2238.23 (50 hours)