THE TUC has condemned draconian new plans announced by David Cameron to bar EU migrants from claiming welfare for up to four years as adopting a "sledgehammer" approach to an exaggerated problem.

In a highly publicised speech yesterday the Tory leader outlined proposals which would mean that EU jobseekers without an offer of employment would not be allowed to claim the new universal credit when they arrive in Britain.

Migrants would only be able to claim tax credits, child benefit and apply for social housing after four years in the country, and would receive no child benefit or child tax credit for offspring living abroad.