A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions has described improvements in the universal credit service since it was rolled out in East London.

The Government’s controversial scheme of combining different benefits – such as job seekers allowance and housing benefits – into one lump payment every month got off to a bumpy start nationally.

There were many complaints of delayed payments leaving some recipients in financial difficulties, with some claiming they were left in rent arrears and threatened with losing their home.

Linda Broughan, a spokesman for the DWP who works in the department’s Redbridge offices, said: “Every day brings a whole new lot of changes. The case load for universal credit full service has grown quicker than anticipated, but we are training new workers to cope with the demand.

“Brexit has created a bit of uncertainty for some customers and we have people coming in for habitual residency tests – the number sitting these tests in Redbridge is higher than anywhere else in London.”

The department’s aim for the next six to eight weeks is to focus on single parents and women, helping them to get into the workplace.

Ms Broughan explained that, as part of the universal credit full service, up to 80 per cent of a parent’s childcare costs could be covered by the Job Centre to help people get back into and stay in work.

Following those eight weeks, the department will then begin to focus on apprentices and apprenticeships.

The full service can also cover costs of travel for newly employed universal credit recipients, offers interview technique training and could even cover the cost of a new interview suit for those that need it.

Ms Broughan said: “We always say, if you have a problem talk to us, if there is something worrying you, we have people with specialist training who can help you.”

Recently, there has been an upturn in smaller business owners in the area looking for staff through the job centre’s services, and many employers are willing to offer flexible hours to suit the needs of those seeking jobs.

Ms Broughan said the aim is to help people both to get a job and to retain it.

Nationally, there have been issues with universal credit’s full roll out meaning those previously receiving disability support were left out of pocket once they were transferred over to the new system.

Ms Broughan said there were one or two people affected by this problem in Redbridge, but that these cases were being dealt with and noone on universal credit should now be at a loss.

She added: “So, it is not all a bed of roses, but it is a much improving picture.”

Across Redbridge, there has been a 21 per cent increase in the number of 18-24 year olds claiming universal credit since this time last year.

Overall, there has been a five per cent increase in people of all ages across the borough claiming through the new system since January 2018.