It appears that the government are beginning to take measures that may actually help the work-shy and stereotyped individuals that rely on benefits.
DWP secretary James Purnell has stated that the recession can not be used as an excuse for unemployment. There are apparently half a million jobs available, something that those attempting to build a life on benefits cannot escape from. Except this time, as opposed to preaching and telling those on benefits they simply must work, the government are now saying how they can help. Lone parents will have to manage their CV, take training courses and go to work focused interviews to prepare them for mandatory work when their youngest child reaches 7. Couples who are reliant on benefits will both have to accept jobs, it will no longer be the case that mothers can stay at home simply because of their children. Housing benefits will be reformed, saving the government and the tax payers billions.
It has been said that these measures are 'Too soft', however it will take a softer approach to ensure that those who we stereotype remain in work and do not feel down-trodden and shunted about by a blame laying system.
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2 comments:
1. Purnel is just spinning, they won't change anything, it is a dog whistle aimed at Daily Mail voters.
2."The real point is that welfare claimants' have no strong motivation to find a job because they lose more in benefits than they can earn in net wages. Until the Powers That Be grasp this simple fact, all this tinkering achieves nothing." Wadsworth
They probably are spinning to a great extent, but anything is better than the current measures which consist of allowing people to remain on benefits and see no other viable way to build a life.
I certainly think lone parents will be helped, by making them work and explore other options when their children are old enough to go to school they probably stand to gain, even if it is just 30+hrs on minimum wage, working family tax credits should help with that. Although I have met people who say that they will simply keep on 'popping out' children to avoid this.
I think 'The Powers That Be' fail to grasp a hell of a lot, your right on that one. Their middle class attitude adds to that. However I do think that these measures will do a little more than the current 'live and let live' attitude that simply allows people to rely on benefits. Any step in the right direction will be something.
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