New changes to universal credit this month could see thousands of claimants face increasing pressure to find a job or improve their income. Around six million people are estimated to be claiming universal credit in the UK as experts warn the cost of living crisis could plunge 45 million people in Britain into fuel poverty.
And new changes being introduced this month could lead to more pressure for those on low incomes to find a job or find another way to boost their income. Under the administration earnings threshold (AET) claimants with no earnings or with earnings below that threshold are placed in the intensive work search regime which normally involves attending mandatory, face to face work search reviews.
Claimants in this category face more pressure to get a job, apply for jobs, register with employment agencies, get references, prepare business plans or increase their existing earnings in order to keep their universal credit than those in the 'light-touch' system "light touch" system who receive payments to top up income while working.
