Universal Credit Bonus Payments

Martyn Day Excerpts

Tuesday 25th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

It is not for the first time that I rise to present a petition centred around the issue of universal credit. On this occasion, it relates to bonus payments for my constituents, who were appalled by the £300 Christmas bonuses awarded by Greggs being reduced in some cases to as little as £75. [Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The hon. Gentleman is speaking. The hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Neale Hanvey) cannot walk backward and forward in front of him.

[Martyn Day]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. With your permission, I will start again.

It is not for the first time that I rise to present a petition on behalf of my constituents relating to the issue of universal credit. On this occasion, it concerns bonus payments. Greggs employees were awarded Christmas bonuses of £300, which were reduced in some cases to as little as £75, and this has appalled many of my constituents and me.

The petition states:

The petition of residents of Linlithgow and East Falkirk,

Declares that current rules surrounding bonus salary payments to Universal Credit claimants are profoundly unfair and lead to unintended reductions in subsequent Universal Credit payments which perversely disincentivises work.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to revise Universal Credit rules which would see one-off bonus payments treated as capital rather than salary payments.

And the petitioners remain, etc.

[P002558]