For anyone, being unemployed is a wrench. For those people who worked hard and have been higher rate taxpayers, able to allow spouses and partners to not work, i.e. to instead look after children, applying for Universal Credit is a kick in the teeth.

For a start, those in relationships cannot apply for Universal Credit in their own name, the spouse or partner needs to do the same.

After many years of not working, suddenly being forced into work is no picnic. Some may say, why isn't this agreeable, is it?

When I was last made redundant, I was in this self-same situation, and I choose to not claim for exactly this reason.

Personally, I think these rules are unreasonable and should be changed.

What do you think?