Conditions Uncertain finds that almost 1.2 million low-paid workers entitled to support under Universal Credit will have to look for extra work or face the risk of having payments withdrawn. The report reveals for the first time how many working people are likely to be affected by a new regime which will require the lowest-paid to show that they are unable to push up their wages any further.

Under Universal Credit, which combines benefits and tax credits into a unified payment, conditions will be set on payments to many working claimants who earn less than the weekly equivalent of the minimum wage - £212.80 for a single person. They will be expected to demonstrate that they are making every effort to rise above this earnings threshold, by finding better-paid work, increasing their hours or taking on an extra job.