Local keyworkers have reacted with dismay to find out that what was meant to be a thank you from their employer will actually have a negative effect on their finances. Wilko have decided to award all of their staff with a £150 ‘Thank You’ payment for their work during the Coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to wages, bonuses and other payments are taken into account when calculating how much Universal Credit payments will be and the Department for Work and Pensions have confirmed that they will be taking these ‘Thank you’ payments into account, which will reduce the payments received from Universal Credit.

Toby said “Claiming Universal Credit whilst working enables people to top up their income to ensure that they are able to cover their household bills and provide food for their family. These Universal Credit payments are often vital as not everyone is able to work full time.

I am shocked to find that receiving a thank you payment from your employer for putting yourself at risk during the pandemic can then lead to a reduction in the monthly Universal Credit payment received. I have contacted the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to ask that discretion is used so that those awarded ‘Thank you’ payments are able to 100% of these payments”

Toby Perkins MP
Toby Perkins MP
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