MSPs are concerned about the new Universal credit benefits system.

Holyrood’s Social Security Committee has written to UK minister Damian Hinds stating the “serious systematic problems” will worsen if Jobcentres are allowed to close.

The MSPs said there are delays in payments leading to anxiety, hardship and pushing people into rent arrears.

These problems also include long waiting times for the Universal Credit helpline and claimants being charged for calls, resulting in extra costs at a time when people are already struggling.

Sandra White, Committee Convenor, said: “The whole purpose of Universal Credit was to simplify the process of claiming for social security by rolling six benefits into one payment.

“We heard some shocking stories of people whose are being driven to breaking point because this system simply doesn’t work for them.

“We hope that the evidence we heard directly from people using the system will be a wake-up call to the Secretary of State that changes need to be made before it is rolled-out any further.”

“Any new system is always going to have some issues but most of the Committee agree that if these issues are not addressed then it is not a workable system.”