The vast increase in those claiming #UniversalCredit due to #coronavirus, shows that we all need a strong social security system we can rely on when times get tough; it is the anchor that will stop people being pulled under. [THREAD]

The Government is rightly giving £billions to support businesses and individuals, and the boost to #UC is a vital part of that; this is the lifeline that will help people at risk of being pulled into poverty. #coronavirus

It’s a testament to the hard work of @DWP staff that the system's still working despite this massive test, but it’s also highlighted the problems that still need to be fixed: the 5 week wait for the first payment. You can get an advance but it has to be paid back #UniversalCredit

It's vital that @DWP puts a halt on all debt repayments and other deductions for the next few months so all the help actually makes it into people’s pockets. #UniversalCredit #5weekwait #coronavirus

We’d also like to see further improvements to keep people afloat, including extending #SSP to low earners, increasing the level of sick pay and #UC temporarily, and increasing help for renters to stop them getting into arrears. #coronavirus

Once we start moving out of this phase of the outbreak and into recovery we need to keep pulling together and rebuilding our economy to give both families and the nation more resilience. #coronavirus

This situation is showing where we need to do that:
more security at work
keeping the stronger social security anchor that’s being put in place now
making sure everyone has access to a home which is affordable and safe.
#coronavirus