UNIVERSAL Credit could drive Brits out of the benefits system altogether, the Government's own welfare adviser has warned.

Professor Ian Diamond said the new benefits rollout was "unreasonable" for many claimants who risk being left destitute.

He called on the Government to offer more support for Brits switching over to UC from the previous benefits system.

Sir Ian has submitted a report to ministers as chair of the Social Security Advisory Committee.

He revealed this week that his advice provides a devastating warning about the dangers of the Universal Credit rollout.

The academic expert said the scale of the move risked seeing claimants miss out on cash they should be owed.

He added that it's so complex, some Brits could be pushed out of the benefits system for good.

Sir Ian said: "We are concerned that aspects of the proposals load an unreasonable level of risk onto the claimant.

"We fear that, in too many cases, they may be adversely impacted by the proposals or fall out of the social security system entirely.

"It is important that the Government gets this right."

The expert said Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey is "in listening mode" on Universal Credit.

And he praised Philip Hammond for giving the system a £1.9billion annual boost in this week's Budget.

UC has been accused of driving thousands of Brits into poverty by reducing their benefits and creating gaps in their payments.

The new regime will be ruled out across the whole UK over the coming years.