News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A single mum relying on Universal Credit was forced into prostitution to make a quick £30.

Julie, from Merseyside, turned to prostitution after waiting eight weeks for her first payment from the controversial new benefits system.

The woman told BBC News she felt "very disappointed" and "ashamed" after the exchange, but was "desperate" to stay afloat.

"I'm ashamed to admit, I have slept with a guy for money", said Julie, who asked for her real name not to be used.

"It's something I never ever thought I would be ever capable of doing. I just didn't think it was in me as a person.

"So I'm, like, very disappointed in myself and ashamed of myself. I had to use food banks. I've never been in that situation in my life. I've really struggled."

(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Last month, MP for Birkenhead Frank Field told MPs "some women have taken to the red light district for the first time" as a direct result of UC.

The former Labour minister claimed women in his constituency are being forced into prostitution by cash shortages because of recent welfare reforms.

Last week, a Daily Mirror investigation into Britain's first "managed" red light zone revealed desperate women felt forced to sell their bodies after getting caught in a poverty trap.

One, a 30-year-old mum, said: "I’ve got no criminal record and I don’t take drugs. I’ve never stolen anything in my life. But three months ago I lost my professional job of 10 years and I’ve got nothing to live on.

"I’ve got a claim in for benefits but haven’t had a penny. They tell me to be patient, but being patient isn’t going to feed my child or pay my mortgage.

"A few months ago I’d only ever slept with seven men, now I’m seeing perverts every night.

"I hate it but I’ve got to pay my bills and save my home. This is my secret, my partner thinks I work in a bar. It’s a horrible secret to keep."

(Image: E+)

A mum-of-two, aged 29, also claimed a cut in benefit forced her on to the streets.

She said: "They took £72 a week off me. My kids are nine and one and I need to get school uniform for the eldest.

"I didn’t have a good childhood. My kids aren’t going to suffer like I did. What the kids want, they get.

"But it has to be paid for. That’s why I’m here. My boyfriend doesn’t know. He thinks I work in a strip bar. He doesn’t agree with it.

"My first [punter] was really sweet and now I can earn £450 a night. I’m good at it. I’ve been out in snow shivering but I made £1,000 that night because they felt sorry for me."

(Image: Photographer's Choice RF)

Field's intervention in the House of Commons followed growing calls for the UK-wide rollout of the benefit to be put on hold and for billions to be pumped into the system.

Universal Credit had been attacked by MPs from across politics over the slowness of payments made to claimants, which was said to have left many reliant on food banks and payday lenders to make ends meet.

It replaces six existing benefits - Employment Support Allowance, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit - with a single payment.

The rollout started with new recipients in pilot areas in 2013.

From July 2019, about two million people receiving the old benefits will be moved on to UC in a "managed migration", which is not due for completion until 2023.

Politicians have urged a halt to the rollout to allow changes to be made.