NOBODY likes change. It’s a well known fact everyone prefers things to stay exactly as they are and will do everything possible to maintain the status quo.

This phenomenon is so universally accepted a whole area of change management has developed to help companies combat the problem.

The irony is change management has been doing exactly the same thing, in exactly the same way, for years!

Anyway, getting to the point, it’s hardly surprising therefore that Universal Credit is being treated with suspicion.

Everyone you speak to accepts it is a good idea and knows the current system must change.

But, all the same, people are finding reasons why it doesn’t suit them.

Predicted problems include benefit claimants not having access to the internet, not having access to a bank account, not being able to manage their ‘own’ money or simply choosing crime as an easier option to the new benefits system.

Universal Credit, trialled ‘up north’ from April 1, goes national in October, so we’ve got a little over six months to give away free computers, set up new bank accounts, prepare citizens advice centres for extra questions and to put sturdier locks on all our assorted belongings.

Mind you, the government isn’t just helping to solve the benefits issue for home-grown benefit claimants, it is also tackling would-be migrant ‘claimees’.

You’ll need to have been living in this country and claiming off the state for at least two years before you are entitled to a council house.

And, if they haven’t got a job after claiming benefits for six months they will have to show they are actually looking for work.

Thank goodness the problems are in hand.