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‘Fundamental problems’ with universal credit
Child Poverty Action Group calls for rollout to stop until flagship benefit’s major flaws are fixed

THE full rollout of universal credit (UC) should not begin until “fundamental problems” that leave claimants hundreds of pounds out of pocket every year are fixed, according to a new report.

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) said workers can lose out if they are paid early because of weekends or bank holidays, which makes it appear as though they have earned more than they really have. Two payments in a calendar month, CPAG said, skews their assessments.

One in 20 cases it analysed under its “early warning system” were hit by problems with the monthly assessment system.

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