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<p>It is wrong to say that workers on zero-hour contracts, who are not working as
a result of the covid-19 outbreak, are unable to qualify for Universal Credit because
they are considered to have employment.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Universal Credit
is payable in and out of work including for those working zero-hour contracts, part-time
or temporary jobs.</p><p> </p><p>The amount of Universal Credit paid to claimants
reflects, as closely as possible, the actual circumstances of a household during each
monthly assessment period. Monthly assessment periods align to the way the majority
of employees are paid and also allows Universal Credit to be adjusted each month.
This means that if a claimant’s income falls, they will not have to wait several months
for a rise in their Universal Credit.</p><p /><p>The Chancellor has also confirmed
that, depending on their status, workers on zero hour contracts may be eligible for
the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and we would urge people to explore this avenue
too.</p>
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