The Social Security Advisory Committee expressed concern in a report the length of time claimants would have to wait until their first payment of benefit, particularly in regard to housing benefit the housing and recommended that the government reconsider the policy.

The Trades Union Congress General Secretary, Frances O'Grady commented: “The government should remember that people pay into their national insurance out of every pay cheque. They’ve earned their protection and should not have support withheld from them if bad luck strikes.     READ MORE