Now work for your benefits: Ministers to unveil tough crackdown on payments to jobless
A US-style ‘work for dole’ scheme could reduce Britain’s vast benefits bill
Ministers say jobless should do community service and work experience
Those who refuse to do so face losing their welfare payments
By James Chapman
PUBLISHED: 16:41 EST, 26 September 2013 | UPDATED: 16:41 EST, 26 September 2013
The long-term unemployed are to be told they must do an unpaid full-time job or be stripped of their benefits.
A dramatic extension of the conditions attached to unemployment handouts will be unveiled at the Conservative party conference next week, according to well-placed sources.
Ministers are convinced a new US-style ‘work for the dole’ scheme will help to reduce Britain’s vast benefits bill and curb the something-for-nothing culture.
It is expected that claimants who go through the Government’s main back-to-work scheme, the Work Programme, but fail to find a job, will be required to take part in unpaid community activities or work experience.
Those who refuse to do so face losing their welfare payments.
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith told the Daily Mail: ‘It’s not acceptable for people to expect to live a life on benefits if they’re able to work.’
A poll today finds overwhelming support for stricter conditions for the long-term unemployed.
The YouGov survey shows most voters believe jobseekers should carry out work experience or community work in order to receive their benefits.
By a margin of nearly five to one – 56 per cent to 12 per cent – they support the introduction of ‘workfare’ for the long-term unemployed compared to the status quo. ...
REST OF STORY at Daily Mail