date: Monday 10 December 2008

embargo: For immediate release

TUC reaction to welfare reform white paper

Responding to the Government's welfare reform white paper announced today (Wednesday) TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'At a time of rapidly rising unemployment the Government needs to stop talking as if every benefit claimant is a potential scrounger. People losing their jobs need practical help as quickly as possible. That should be the focus of the employment benefit services.

'We are pleased the Government has quietly accepted the TUC's argument that people with illnesses or disabilities should not be forced to be available for work and to accept job offers. While they may benefit from more personalised support, they should not be penalised because employers are unwilling to take them on.

'But the introduction of workfare will unfairly stigmatise unemployed people without having any impact on their chances of finding jobs. Everyone in work should be paid a fair rate for the job and, as the Government's own review admitted, requiring people to work for their benefits for prolonged periods of time has little impact on their chances of finding paid employment.

'Of course, such sweeping welfare reforms need to be implemented properly. The Government simply cannot do this while simultaneously cutting back on front-line staff.

'Despite these cut backs Jobcentre Plus - where the strengths of hard working and committed staff often go unrecognised - is working well. It would be quite wrong to privatise this vital work, with sanctions being handed out for profit.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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

- A further analysis of the white paper will be available on the TUC touchstone blog at www.touchstoneblog.org.uk

Media enquiries:
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 10 Dec 2008