Complex lives : exploring experiences of Universal Credit claimants in Salford during Covid-19

Scullion, LC; Gibbons, AR; Connors, C; Pardoe, J; Beck, DJ

Abstract

Exploring Universal Credit (UC) in Salford is a qualitative longitudinal project delivered by the Salford Anti-Poverty Taskforce; a research and knowledge exchange partnership between the University of Salford and Salford City Council. The project began in 2019 and aimed to provide an understanding of experiences of UC in Salford, from the perspective of Salford residents who are claiming UC and also those organisations who are supporting benefit claimants across the City. Drawing upon in depth interviews undertaken both prior to and during Covid-19, this chapter illustrates change and continuity across an array of complex needs and circumstances facing the participants, including significant health issues, caring responsibilities, housing insecurity, domestic abuse, and financial insecurity. Ultimately what appeared to dominate the narratives were the challenges of life on a low income while managing a range of complex circumstances.

• Online Publication Date: May 31, 2022
• Publication Date: May 31, 2022
• Deposit Date: Oct 25, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 6, 2023
• Publisher: Policy Press
• Pages: 56-70
• Book Title: COVID-19 collaborations : researching poverty and low-income family life during the pandemic
• ISBN: 9781447364481
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.51952/9781447364504.ch004
• Publisher URL: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/covid-19-collaborations