Work for DWP and get Universal Credit? Tell us what the cut means to you

The government has decided to end the £20 a week uplift in Universal Credit (UC) from 6 October. The uplift was originally introduced as a support measure at the beginning of the pandemic.

However, it is widely recognised that government austerity measures have significantly reduced the real value of UC since its introduction. PCS has been clear in its opposition to the end of the UC uplift as it will have the inevitable consequence of making many people, including PCS members, worse off just when they need help most.

Sharing your story will help us to oppose the ending of the £20 uplift. Contact PCS at leeds@pcs.org.uk to tell us how you feel about losing the £20. Any information will be kept confidential.

We also need you to complete our members’ poll about the impact of the UC cut.

Impact on DWP staff

It is shameful that that the government pays its own workers such low pay that some DWP staff are forced to claim UC; the key benefit that many PCS members deliver in their job roles.

Like other PCS members, DWP staff have faced pay freezes and below inflation pay rises for over 10 years. The government has imposed a pay freeze for all PCS members across the civil service and the wider public sector for 2021. In addition, the government has recently announced an increase in National Insurance contributions of 1.25%, due to take effect from April 2022.

The rate of inflation (Consumer Prices Index) recently jumped from 2% to 3.2% and many experts are expecting further rises in inflation. All these measures are in reality a pay cut for PCS members.

Campaigning against low pay

PCS is determined to continue its campaign for better pay for all DWP staff and our DWP group will play a full role in the PCS national campaign aimed at improving our members’ living standards.

Get involved in PCS

If you are interested in getting more involved in PCS email leeds@pcs.org.uk