Young people are being hit by “vicious sanctions” under Universal Credit, says Dumbarton’s MSP.

Jackie Baillie has hit out at “shocking figures” which show that one in five sanctions imposed under the controversial new system have landed on claimants aged just 18 and 19 years old.

Sanctions are dished out when claimants fail to do what they agreed in their claimant commitment, such as by failing to turn up at a work search review.

People claiming Universal Credit as a couple may also receive a sanction to their joint payment if only one doesn’t meet their responsibilities.

As a consequence, payments may be reduced for a set period.

Now Ms Baillie has warned claimants who are entitled to benefits to be prepared for Universal Credit which is being rolled out in West Dunbartonshire at the end of next month, while full roll-out took place in Argyll and Bute in September.

The MSP is highlighting an analysis from Scottish Labour showing that nearly three-quarters of Universal Credit sanctions in Scotland have landed on people under the age of 30.

From a total of 44,742 decisions to apply a sanction under Universal Credit, more than 32,000 have been applied to claimants aged under 30.

Ms Baillie said: “Shockingly, one in five sanctions have landed on claimants aged just 18 and 19 years old.

“Young people in Scotland are already more likely to be in low paid, insecure work.

“Our economy does not work for them, but instead of supporting the under 30s to get into secure, well-paid jobs, the Tories are hitting them with vicious sanctions.

“Universal Credit is causing poverty and hardship wherever it’s rolled out, especially for young people. The Tories’ own work and pensions secretary admitted that it would leave people worse off.

“It is important that all people, especially young people trying to get on their feet, are aware of the changes to benefits and ensure that they are prepared.”

Ms Baillie urged anyone worried about the changes to benefits to get in touch with their local Citizens Advice Bureau.