DWP crackdown and fraud blitz will target people who 'game' system

The Department for Work and Pensions benefits crackdown will target people who "game" the system, according to experts. Amid Universal Credit claims soaring, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and DWP boss Mel Stride have announced a benefits crackdown and fraud blitz.

Bradley Post, the managing director of RIFT, has explained why following through with a crackdown on DWP claimants is in the PM Sunak’s favour. He said: “Britain’s benefit system plays a vital role in supporting those most in need and Jobseekers’ Allowance makes a valuable contribution in this respect.

“However, as in all areas of life, there are unfortunately those who game the system for their own individual gain and it’s these people who the prime minister has pledged to crack down on should the Conservatives win the next general election.

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“Should just a quarter of JSA claimants be encouraged into employment, it would bring a sizable boost to the British economy at a time when it is arguably well needed. Although we must appreciate that for many, this transition is easier said than done when you take their wider financial situation into account and the fact that they may be worse off in employment compared to the cumulative level of benefits they receive.”

RIFT figures show former DWP claimants who move off JSA into work would make an annual tax contribution of £3,143 which comes to £2,245 in income tax and £898 in National Insurance. If a quarter of the current 87,631 JSA claimants were to make this tax contribution on a yearly basis, the UK economy would be bolstered by £68.9million.

The figures are basedon the current minimum wage for over 21s and a 40-hour work week. RIFT says claimants making the move from JSA to employment could make a gross average salary of £23,795 by moving into work.