After the newest data revealed that another 1.3 million workers requested state aid since the epidemic began, trade unions in the United Kingdom are calling on the government to increase its assistance for low-income individuals.

According to a new study cited by The Guardian on Monday, since the COVID-19 outbreak, an additional 1.3 million claims for universal credit, a monthly government payment for low-wage workers or the unemployed, have been filed, bringing the total number of low-income citizens to at least 2.3 million.

According to estimates, a rise in energy prices, which have increased from 700 to 2,000 pounds ($945 to $2,700 on average not to mention a high inflation rate across numerous economic sectors, have sparked such a substantial spike in demand for universal credit. According to the Guardian, food, rent, and other prices have risen at the quickest rate in 30 years.

The UK trade unions pointed out that 40% of all claimants are employed individuals whose earnings are insufficient to meet their basic necessities and adjust to rising prices.

Simultaneously, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) urges the government to increase universal credit payments to 80% of the minimum wage as soon as possible, or millions more workers will be pushed into poverty.

TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady was quoted as saying by The Guardian that "Universal Credit urgently needs boosting and we need further action to reduce fuel costs for those battling to make ends meet. The best way to give working families long-term financial security is to get pay rising across the economy."

She went on to say that the government needs to do more to help "struggling families get through the difficult times ahead," calling the government's recent support package for households "inadequate."

On Thursday, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced measures aimed at assisting UK citizens in dealing with rising energy prices. Consumers will receive a 200-pound upfront rebate on their electricity bills, to be repaid in five-year installments, and a 150-pound rebate on council tax in April, according to the plan, while local governments will receive 150 million pounds from the discretionary fund to provide additional subsidies.