UNIVERSAL credit chiefs suffered an embarrassing blunder after telling hard-up Brits to work as STRIPPERS instead of claiming benefits.

The Department of Work and Pensions told visitors to their website that a “striptease artist” is alternative to taking government cash.

They placed the raunchy role alongside suggestions to be a hotel assistant, lobby attendant and bingo assistant.

A striptease artist was described as someone who "dances in adult entertainment establishments" on the site.

However, the page has since been pulled down by DWP bosses after they spotted the mistake.

BENEFITS BLUNDER

The DWP portal is supposed to offer UC claimants the chance to “discover roles that match your skills and interests."

Universal Credit is a welfare scheme designed to wrap a number of benefits into a single monthly payment.

Introduced by the Tories in 2013, Universal credit has faced a barrage of criticism from MPs and Brits – with many claiming they are left close to poverty while they wait for their cash to come in.

The Sun has launched its Make Universal Credit Work campaign to demand the government act now to fix its flagship welfare reform – before it’s too late.

Daphne Hall, vice chair of the National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers slammed the DWP blunder.

It’s completely inappropriate that the government should be pushing people towards these jobs which could lead to a possible link to the sex industry.

She told the Huffington Post: “We think it’s completely inappropriate that the government should be pushing people towards these jobs which could lead to a possible link to the sex industry, given all the evidence that’s been put to the DWP select committee.”

The Work you could do portal is there for job centre workers to use when advising benefit claimants on career opportunities, Hall said.

But striptease ads have been banned from the site since 2010.

A DWP spokesperson confirmed that the “inappropriate” comment has since been taken off the site.

They said: “This is inappropriate and we will immediately review this to determine why it is mistakenly listed.

“This is not the type of employment our work coaches help people into, and since 2010 more than 75% of all new jobs created are high-skilled and full-time.”

What to do if you have problems claiming Universal Credit

IF you're experiencing trouble applying for your Universal Credit, or the payments just don't cover costs, here are your options:

Apply for an advance – Claimants are able to get some cash within five days rather than waiting weeks for their first payment. But it's a loan which means the repayments will be automatically deducted from your future Universal Credit pay out.

Alternative Payment Arrangements– If you're falling behind on rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an APA which will get your payment sent directly to your landlord. You might also be able to change your payments to get them more frequently, or you can split the payments if you're part of a couple.

Budgeting Advance – You may be able to get help from the government to help with emergency household costs of up to £348 if you're single, £464 if you're part of a couple or £812 if you have children. These are only in cases like your cooker breaking down or for help getting a job. You'll have to repay the advance through your regular Universal Credit payments. You'll still have to repay the loan, even if you stop claiming for Universal Credit.

Cut your Council Tax – You might be able to get a discount on your Council Tax or be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments if your payments aren't enough to cover your rent.

Foodbanks – If you're really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one on the Trussel Trust website.

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