MISERS OF EUROPE

UK benefits package is among lowest as 'safety net dwindles

- CHRIS MCCALL

THE Tories have been accused of offering people between jobs a "measly" benefits package which is among the lowest in Europe.

The SNP has called for the Tories to restore the £20-a-week uplift to Universal Credit after they ploughed ahead with the cut despite warnings it would throw thousands into poverty.

Research shows the benefit is now worth just 14 per cent of average UK earnings, having previously been worth 18 per cent.

Those claiming unemployment benefit in Denmark receive about 90 per cent of their previous wage, while the figure is 75 per cent in the Netherlands and 70 per cent in Spain.

About 37 per cent of Universal Credit claimants in the UK are already in work.