CALLS have been made for Universal Credit to be scrapped after it emerged three out of four sanctions in Scotland have been handed out to young people.

Statistics analysed by the Labour Party show 72 per cent have been given to under-30s.

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

READ MORE: Universal Credit system rolls out across Glasgow - what to expect

The data also shows one in five sanctions have been applied to claimants aged 18 and Labour MP Danielle Rowley called for it to be halted.

She said: “Tory sanctions are hitting our youngest people the hardest. 
“Under the Tories and the SNP young people in Scotland are more likely to be in low-paid, insecure work. 

READ MORE: GHA - We’re here to help as biggest benefits system shake-up in living memory comes into effect

“But rather than supporting the under 30s to get into secure, well-paid jobs, the Tories are hitting with them with vicious sanctions.

“Universal Credit is causing poverty and hardship wherever it’s rolled out, especially for young people. 

“Esther McVey admitted this week it would leave people worse off and even John Major suggested it could be a Poll Tax moment for Theresa May
“The roll-out must be urgently stopped.”