SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
It follows payment of a backdated lump which will likely result in a nil award for Universal Credit for one or more months, depending on a claimants’ assessment period.
Mr Durkan had previously written to the Education and Communities Ministers urging equitable access for all staff.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The long-overdue EA Support Staff payment will be hitting bank accounts this week and as welcome as it is, it’s already causing issues for staff in receipt of Universal Credit.
“The lump sum nature of the backdated payment will result in nil award for a month or more for UC claimants. This has been a recurring problem that continues to cause real financial stress.
“I’ve repeatedly written to the Health Minister to resolve this issue for NHS staff, to the Education Minister and to the Communities Minister who should be working to implement a fix.
“One fair and workable solution would have been a phased payment approach but Ministers have claimed this would be too complex and could cause delays.
“There’s nothing ‘fair or just’ about a backdated lump sum payment for these staff within the current welfare system.
“It will essentially wipe out their next Universal Credit award and increase their tax, national insurance and pension contributions. How is this acceptable? Failure to implement a phased payment approach has continued to adversely impact public sector staff.
“Is this really how we repay our hardest working and lowest paid staff from nurses to school support staff?
“These workers are pillars within our schools providing a supportive and nurturing environment for pupils.
“They shouldn’t be penalised for finally receiving what they’re owed.”
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