Universal Credit claimants would risk losing over £1,000 under plans being trialed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Currently, those claiming the benefit usually meet work coaches once a week for the first three months, then every two weeks after this point.
But the new plans would see Universal Credit claimants have to attend an intensive two week programme to try and get them back into work, according to reports. This would impact people claiming the benefit and who have been unemployed for more than three months.
Those who refuse to adhere to these new rules could lose their standard allowance for up to three months. This could potentially cost someone £334.91 a month, or around £1,004.73 in total.
However, as of right now this new rule has not been rolled out across the UK and is only being trialed in four areas. These include Crawley in West Sussex, Pontefract in West Yorkshire, Partick in Glasgow and Coalville in Leicestershire.
The Work and Pensions secretary Mel Stride has written letters to MPs in each area being trialed. Mel Stride said: "Evidence shows that the longer a person is out of work the harder it is for them to return, and it is at this 13-week point that a claimant’s likelihood of securing employment begins to decrease."
It's not yet clear whether the programme would be rolled out nationwide following the current trial.