A reporter posing as a Universal Credit adviser trainee was told not to tell claimants about a vital cash fund for clothes, bus fares or other expenses to help them into work.
The undercover journalist spent seven weeks working at the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Bolton Universal Credit contact centre.
He was told by trainers not to bring up same-day advance payments for those struggling to make ends meet while they wait five weeks for the their first Universal Credit payment. These are among a number of extra changes benefits claimants can ask for – find out the full range here.
BYPASS THE CENSORS
Sign up to get unfiltered news delivered straight to your inbox.
You can unsubscribe any time. By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use
The reporter, working for Channel 4 Dispatches programme, was also told not to tell claimants about the Flexible Support Fund unless they specifically asked about it.
Read More: Universal Credit ‘adviser’ told not to tell claimants about cash fund for clothes and bus fares
Niamh Harris