Scots looking for work face relying on the UK Government's "measly" benefits system which is the least generous in northern Europe, it's been claimed.
The SNP has called for the Tories to restore the £20 a week uplift to Universal Credit after the Tories ploughed ahead with the cut last week despite warnings it would throw thousands into poverty.
The benefit is now worth just 14% of average UK earnings, having previously been worth 18%.
Those claiming unemployment benefit in Denmark receive around 90% of their previous wage, while the figure is 75% in the Netherlands and 70% in Spain.
Around 37% of Universal Credit claimants in the UK are already in work and many others are expected to return to employment after losing their previous jobs.
Neil Gray said: "The callous Tory cuts to Universal Credit means UK unemployment benefits that are already painfully low are now devastatingly even further behind our European neighbours.
"Similarly sized countries as Scotland, such as Denmark and Sweden, are able to provide a real safety net for its citizens by providing a system that is around 80% or 90% of previous earnings."
The SNP MSP added: "The measly system offered under Westminster control is motivated by cuts and the bottom line of the Chancellor's audit sheet, not by the needs of the people who need the system to feed their children and heat their homes.
"Under Westminster control we cannot protect those in Scotland on the lowest incomes. The Scottish Government continues to do what it can, but has one hand tied behind its back with the majority of welfare powers still held by the UK government.
"With full powers over welfare and employment that independence would bring we could lift people who are in-work out of it too by paying them a real living wage.
"The only way we can protect the future of everyone in Scotland is by becoming an independent country and use the full powers that would bring."
A UK Government spokesman said vulnerable households across the country would be able to access a new £500m support fund to help them with essentials over the coming months as the country continues its recovery from the pandemic.
They added: “We’ve always been clear that the uplift to Universal Credit was temporary, to help claimants through the economic shock of the toughest stages of the pandemic.
"Universal Credit will continue to provide vital support and it’s right that the Government should focus on our Plan for Jobs, supporting people back into work and supporting those already employed to progress and earn more.
“We spend billions on welfare support for those most in need and it is not possible to directly compare benefit spend between countries, as we offer additional support for costs related to housing, disabilities and helping parents access child care.
“The Scottish Parliament has significant welfare powers and can top-up existing benefits, pay discretionary payments and create entirely new benefits in areas of devolved responsibility.”
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