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date: 14 January 2009

embargo: For immediate release

TUC response to Welfare Reform Bill

Responding to the Welfare Reform Bill published today (Wednesday), TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'This is the wrong bill for the economic crisis we're in. With thousands of people losing their jobs every week, now is not the time to introduce even tougher conditions for claimants.

'We're also disappointed that the Government appears to be persisting with plans that amount to a 'work for your benefit' scheme. Paid work is scarce enough. Forcing claimants to work for their dole too could make this even worse.

'Unions will continue to oppose any plans to privatise Jobcentre Plus services.

'There are some welcome changes to the Government's earlier plans, including the scrapping of an earlier proposal to make disabled people look for jobs or risk losing their benefits.'

'We will continue to discuss these issues with Government and seek improvements to the Bill.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The TUC has produced two leaflets to help working people in the recession, Coping with the Economic Downturn (produced with input from Citizens Advice) and Facing Redundancy. Both leaflets can be downloaded for free from www.worksmart.org.uk - the TUC's world of work website - which contains questions and answers on all aspects of redundancy. In addition, the TUC's Know Your Rights Line on 0870 600 4882 (national rate, daily 8am-10pm) offers information to callers on a wide range of workplace issues including redundancy.

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Register for the TUC's press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports from the TUC. Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 14 Jan 2009