NEARLY six million people across the UK could have their incomes slashed by £1040 when Boris Johnson’s government cuts Universal Credit next month.

The Tories have been warned against ending the £20 uplift of Universal Credit for many months, with fears that half a million people, including 200,000 children, could be plunged into poverty. The UK Government is continuing with the cuts anyway.

New data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that 5.9 million people are currently receiving Universal Credit payments – approximately 9% of the overall UK population. All are set to see their incomes cut by £20 a week from September.

READ MORE: DWP data reveals Kickstart Covid jobs scheme 'failing Scotland'

DWP data also shows that there are more than 3.4 million children living in homes claiming Universal Credit, a 65% increase from before the pandemic.

The SNP are calling once again for the £20 uplift to be extended.

"The UK already suffers from the worst levels of poverty and inequality of any country in north-west Europe,” said the party’s work and pensions spokesperson David Linden.

"It would be cruel and unthinkable for the Tories to make this problem even worse by slashing the incomes of almost six million people. There must be a full and immediate U-turn.

"It is clear beyond doubt that the Tories have no intention of building a fair recovery. Instead, they are cementing poverty and inequality by imposing another round of Tory austerity cuts.

"Worse still, these Westminster cuts threaten to wipe out the benefits of progressive Scottish Government policies like the Scottish Child Payment - undermining crucial progress in Scotland.

"Independence is the only way to keep Scotland safe from Tory cuts. It is essential that Scotland becomes an independent country, with the full powers needed to eradicate poverty and secure a strong, fair and equal recovery."

READ MORE: DWP to write to millions to confirm cut to £20 Universal Credit uplift

Dan Paskins, director of UK Impact at Save the Children, said the new figures showing how many people are claiming Universal Credit demonstrate how the £20 cut will impact on families.  

“The £20 increase has been a lifeline for many families,” he said. “Parents we work with tell us that they’re relying on the extra £20 per week to buy essentials like food and clothes for their children. Without it, we know that many more families will be pushed into the red.

“This is especially worrying since three-quarters of families with children on Universal Credit have a child under 10, and we know that living in poverty as a young child has lifelong impacts.”