New regulations designed to relax benefit rules for homeless people have been welcomed by Scottish campaigners.

Homeless Action Scotland (HAS) said it was delighted about the 'easements' which allow people claiming Job Seekers' Allowance (JSA) some leeway about looking for work while they are seeking accommodation.

Work coaches may agree that JSA claimants do not have to be actively seeking work or available to take up work immediately, for a period of up to two weeks.

However HAS said people who are sofa-surfing or part of the 'unseen' homeless might not be understood to be homeless by advisers.

A spokesman added: "We are working with the DWP to look to see how we can improve the knowledge and understanding of the Work Coaches around what homelessness is and how it affects claimants in Scotland, given that our legislation is very different."