The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has outlined the identity verification process for people making a new Universal Credit claim, including which documents can be used as evidence

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Those making a fresh Universal Credit claim may be required to submit specific documentation to confirm their identity, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) outlining the evidence that can be used online and what occurs should claimants be unable to prove who they are digitally.

Individuals who are unable to verify their identity online may be requested to attend a Jobcentre appointment or furnish additional information before their Universal Credit claim can proceed.

Identity verification forms a crucial part of the Universal Credit application process, helping to ensure payments reach the correct recipient. The most recent DWP figures reveal that 8.3 million people throughout the UK are receiving financial support via Universal Credit.

According to GOV.UK guidance, people can usually verify their identity online if they have any two of the following:

• A valid UK passport
• A UK driving licence
• Information from recent Self Assessment tax returns
• Credit reference information

The online service cross-references information against official records and can help accelerate the application process for new claimants, reports the Daily Record.

However, not everybody will be in a position to verify their identity digitally. The DWP has stated that those who are unable to use the online service may be offered alternative means of confirming their identity.

This can include submitting documents, attending an in-person appointment at a Jobcentre, or completing a biographical interview by telephone.

Claimants who are requested to attend a Jobcentre interview may be required to bring proof of identity and other supporting documentation with them. The official guidance notes that the precise paperwork required may differ depending on an individual’s personal circumstances and what details the DWP already has on record.

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit intended to assist those on a low income, those out of employment, or those unable to work with their everyday living costs.

The benefit has now superseded six legacy benefits, including Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit for the majority of working-age claimants.

Those submitting a new claim can begin the process via GOV.UK, where they will be prompted to set up an account and confirm their identity before supplying details regarding their income, savings, housing costs and household situation.

The DWP has released comprehensive guidance on GOV.UK outlining the documents that can be used to verify identity, along with alternative options for those who are unable to complete the process online.

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The industrial metal finishing company has been operating since 1979.

A Staffordshire-based metal finishing firm that has served British industry for over four decades has collapsed into administration.

Pym & Wildsmith (Metal Finishers) Limited, which dates back to 1979 and is based at Bramshall Industrial Estate near Uttoxeter, appointed administrators on June 3, according to a notice published in the London Gazette.

The firm, which specialises in metal treatment and coating, appointed Mark Blackman and James Saunders of KR8 Advisory as joint administrators.

Pym & Wildsmith has established itself as one of the Midlands’ foremost industrial finishing businesses, offering services including e-coating, powder coating, paint spraying, shot blasting, and pre-treatment. The company has provided services to clients across numerous sectors, including automotive, construction and engineering, defence, energy, rail, architecture, transport and water.

Having been in operation for 47 years, the industrial metal finishing company was originally founded in 1979 by Stephen Pym and Tony Wildsmith.

The business transitioned from family ownership to 100% employee ownership in 2022, reports the Express.

On its website, the company describes itself as “one of the Midlands’ leading specialist industrial finishing companies”, supplying “high-quality services to a range of blue-chip customers”.

They added: “Pym & Wildsmith has over 45 years’ experience in the provision of high quality industrial finishes to UK industry. Our work can be seen in a variety of contexts, from heavy earth moving equipment to highly specialised small batches.

“We are based at our headquarters in Bramshall, Staffordshire. Therefore, we have access to the UK’s major motorway networks and road system. Our extensive office and manufacturing facilities include an EPD facility, box ovens, spray booths and pickling tanks,as well as a technical department.

“Over the past 5 years a programme of investment in processes, equipment and technology, has resulted in new products and services, as well as a growth in sales and customers.”

The firm has garnered numerous positive reviews on Google.

One states: “The BEST experience with any finisher. Fantastic customer service. Responsive, organised, never have to chase for an answer and they do what they say they will do. They could not have been better.”

Another added: “Longstanding and successful company. Very professional and quality service.”

The officers were injured while carrying out public order duties as disorder broke out
on Tuesday night,

Police say an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of riot after two police officers were injured when a petrol bomb was thrown at them.

The officers were injured while carrying out public order duties as disorder broke out i n Carrickfergus on Tuesday night, June 9. One officer was treated at the scene and the other was treated at hospital for their injuries.

The man was arrested at an address in Carrickfergus this afternoon, Wednesday, June 10. He remains in custody at this time.

PSNI Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said: “Our officers were working to keep communities safe during disorder and were savagely targeted by a petrol bomb. It was fortunate they weren’t more seriously hurt. No one should be injured for doing their job – particularly when that job is working all hours to keep people from harm. “Our investigation is picking up pace and we will be making more arrests in the days ahead.” Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/. Photos and footage – including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage – can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at www.mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI26W14-PO1.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The match was due to kick off at 9pm UK time

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England’s final pre-World Cup friendly against Costa Rica has been delayed after a heavy thunderstorm hit Orlando.

A thunderstorm descended at around 1pm local time and battered the Florida city relentlessly, with torrential rain and lightning filling the skies.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were due to face the Central American outfit at 4pm eastern time (9pm BST) but the pitch at the Inter&Co Stadium was heavily waterlogged an hour-and-a-half before the start.

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Although the pitch drained quickly, kick-off was still put back by one hour as rain and inclement weather remained in the area.

There will be another delay of 30 minutes if there is a lightning strike within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, though the weather had appeared to clear by 3.30pm local time (8.30pm BST).

A Football Association statement read: “Following a pitch inspection at the stadium, today’s match against Costa Rica will now kick off at 5pm ET (10pm UK time) – subject to there being no further lightning strikes in the area.”

England fans in the area took shelter where they could, including some going inside a local library, while others had to risk the elements.

Jude Bellingham was named in Tuchel’s starting XI for the game in the No.10 position as he gets a chance to stake his place for a shirt in next week’s opener against Croatia.

Harry Kane again led the line with Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke supporting him, while Declan Rice started alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield.

Bricks, wheelie bins and traffic cones are being launched towards police to the north of Belfast by masked rioters.

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For the latest on this developing story follow our live blog here.

Bricks, wheelie bins and traffic cones are being launched towards police to the north of Belfast by masked rioters.

Footage showed rioters wearing face coverings and all-black outfits, advancing towards police on Antrim Road in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, and attempting to hit officers with bricks and other projectiles.

Some rioters could be seen kicking police vehicles although the demonstrators retreated after a water cannon was deployed by riot police.

Police have deployed water cannons on protesters in Co Antrim after they were pelted with bricks in the latest disorder following the Belfast knife attack.

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A large vehicle was in flames as demonstrators confronted the police after they gathered near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey to the north of Belfast.

Footage showed dozens of men dressed all in black and wearing face coverings gathering on Antrim Road and throwing objects at a line of eight police vehicles.

Videos shared on social media showed protesters attempting to march to the Chimney Corner Hotel, with riot police and several vans being deployed to manage the demonstrations.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said officers deployed water cannons to maintain public order after missiles were thrown at police.

In Derry, police reported items having been set alight on the Ardmore Road.

Additional police officers are on the streets in the region following significant unrest on Tuesday night following the brutal attack on Monday.

Public transport was suspended and some schools closed early on Wednesday with fears of a second night of violence.

Earlier, Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court charged with attempted murder over Monday’s knife attack in which victim Stephen Ogilvie lost an eye.

Mr Ogilvie, who is aged in his 40s, remains in a serious condition in hospital in Belfast. It is understood he is in an induced coma.

The reaction to the incident saw mobs set homes, a bus and cars on fire on Tuesday, with people targeted based on their race.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to “crack down on anyone who is fuelling this division”.

Alodid appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning charged with the attempted murder of Mr Ogilvie, with threats to kill an NHS radiographer and with possession of a knife.

The court heard Mr Ogilvie lost his left eye and suffered deep cuts to his head, face and back.

District Judge Stephen Keown refused bail after hearing police concerns there could be “significant public disorder” if he was released due to “strong public feeling” about the incident.

The judge warned that anyone who plans to take part in further disorder in Northern Ireland should “be prepared to go to prison”.

In Westminster, security minister Dan Jarvis said: “Reports that ethnic minorities were targeted are sickening.”

The Prime Minister said the rioting in Belfast was “shocking and completely unacceptable”.

“It is clear that people were targeted last night because of their background and I will not tolerate it,” he said.

“Those responsible will feel the full force of the law.”

Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said 200 more officers would be on the streets on Wednesday night.

“We will deal with this,” he said.

“We will be on the streets tonight in numbers even more than we were last night, and we have got arrangements in hand to get mutual aid that will be arriving here tomorrow.”

The force said that following the recent disorder, “some social media users are posting address details online”.

“We have received phone calls from a number of families, house owners, neighbours and members of the wider community who are extremely distressed as a result of this reckless activity,” a spokesperson for the PSNI said.

“This is unacceptable. It is putting lives at risk and has to stop.

“Anyone who shares personal information online with the intention to endanger others may be committing a criminal offence.”

Mr Jarvis told MPs there had been three arrests “but more will surely follow”.

Mr Ogilvie’s family said in a statement they were “devastated by the horrific attack” but pleaded for calm.

“We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident,” the statement said.

“We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward.

“We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector and we depend on them to make our country work.

“We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.”

For the latest on this developing story follow our live blog here.

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

The Three Lions will be deliberating over how quickly to get ready for the warm-up this evening, with the wait for a kick-off time ongoing. Jude Bellingham will certainly want to put in a good impression this evening, and the circumstances ensure that all of the squad have another test to pass in Thomas Tuchel’s eyes.

It might not be the last time the squad are presented with a delay.

A reminder of the England team this evening:

England XI: Pickford, Konsa, O’Reilly, Rice, Stones, Anderson, Kane, Bellingham, Gordon, Madueke, James.

Subs: Guehi, Saka, Rashford, Livramento, D Henderson, J Henderson, Burn, Mainoo, Rogers, Watkins, Eze, Toney, Trafford, Spence, Quansah.

This morning, a package containing a device was discovered at Zakariyya Jaame Masjid on Derby Street.

The Bolton Council of Mosques (BCoM) said police were investigating the incident and urged people not to speculate while enquiries were ongoing.

In a statement, the organisation said there was “no cause for alarm” while urging members of the public to remain vigilant.

Rumworth councillor Ayyub Patel described Zakariyya Mosque as a longstanding focal point for faith and community life in the area.

He said: “I want to thank Greater Manchester Police (GMP) for their swift and professional response.

“Their ongoing enquiries are being conducted with the utmost care and diligence.  

“Our community stands together in calm and solidarity.

“We urge everyone to remain vigilant, cooperate fully with the authorities and avoid speculation while investigations continue.

“Rumworth’s strength lies in its resilience and shared commitment to peace and safety.”

Cllr Akhtar Zaman (Image: Bolton Council)

Bolton Council leader Akhtar Zaman also sought to reassure residents.

He said: “I would like to reassure the community that the local authority and GMP have always worked together to combat any threats to our communities.

“I am sure that GMP are doing everything they can to investigate this issue and I’d like to reassure people there is no immediate threat.

“People should not be worried about this.”

Further enquiries made by The Bolton News have clarified the circumstances surrounding the item, and there is no indication of any risk to the public.

It is understood that it was a USB battery pack which had been discovered.