The public services union, Unison has claimed that plans to put the new universal credit system online will have adverse effects on claimants.
The Government plans to have half of claims dealt with over the internet by next October, however 8.2 million adults do not have access to the internet, four million of which are registered disabled. Concerns have further been raised that without access to the internet claimants could be forced to call a new 0845 number which will cost up to 40 p a minute.
General Secretary Dave Prentis outlined that the change could cause real difficulties as “In reality people on low incomes are the least likely to have a computer”.
A Department of Work and Pensions spokesperson however has stated: “Under Universal Credit people will be able to claim their benefit online, in person, or by phone in the same way they do now.”
