TalkTalk says internet access has never been more important

Government plans forcing people receiving benefits to manage their claims online mean broadband access has never been more important, according to TalkTalk.

The Department for Work and Pensions' Universal Credit proposals have been criticised by more than 70 organisations, which warned the fact that not everyone has internet access is just one of several major flaws in the scheme.

Tristia Clarke, commercial director at TalkTalk, said being online is becoming "increasingly important" for people seeking work, as the web gives prospective candidates the chance to "grasp opportunities as soon as they arise".

"While it may not be easy at first, getting to know how to use the internet is hugely rewarding and TalkTalk has long argued that the internet should be accessible for everybody," she commented.

Her remarks come in the wake of a recent report from the Office for National Statistics, which revealed internet coverage in Britain has reached 80 per cent of the population.

However, 5.2 million households still lack any form of internet connection. Asked why they had no internet service, most offline citizens said they had no need for it.