Trades Union Congress: Social Issues

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Unemployed need support ? not punitive action ? to return to work

date: 25 May 2010

embargo: For immediate release

Unemployed need support - not punitive action - to return to work

Commenting on the Government's plans announced today (Tuesday) in the Queen's Speech for a Welfare Reform Bill, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'Unions will support measures to help unemployed and disabled people into work but there is no excuse for such a heavy handed, punitive approach.

'The recession - not lazy individuals - has caused rising unemployment and most people on disability benefits are out of work because today's labour market is a tough place for those with severe health conditions.

'Moves to eliminate fraud are to be welcomed but cutting the number of administrative staff will only make the problem worse. Jobcentre Plus staff are already under tremendous pressure and further cuts will lead to more errors being made and fewer fraudsters caught.'

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