Owen Smith MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on new figures from the DWP showing the number of working age people on benefits, said:

“It’s welcome that there has been some shift in the number of people needing support from our social security safety net.  However, Stephen Crabb’s cuts to Universal Credit that were introduced last week will have a dire impact on working families who rely on in-work support, as in time over 2 million will lose an average of £1,600 a year.  While it’s worrying that we could see a stalling of the number of disabled people moving in to work, as Tory cuts to Employment Support Allowance will take away the extra support that was designed to help people find employment.”