The government has announced the UK coronavirus lockdown will be extended for at least another three weeks.
01.04.2020 - 23:25 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has processed almost 950,000 claims for universal credit in two weeks.
Applications for the benefit have soared since Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the UK in lockdown last week.
The new figures come as charities warn that credit loans could create a " coronavirus debt crisis."
Claimants currently have to wait five weeks for a first payment after applying for the benefit, but can take out an advanced loan to help.
The Salvation Army said this
The government has announced the UK coronavirus lockdown will be extended for at least another three weeks.
By Jake Kanter
Citizens will only be allowed outside to shop for food and medicine, for one form of exercise a day, and to travel to work if necessary from tonight (March 23)