Workless households caused by collapse of industries not ‘benefits culture'

date: 6 September 2012

embargo: For immediate release

Commenting on the latest figures on workless households, published today (Thursday) by the Office for National Statistics, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'These figures make clear that high concentrations of workless households are not due to a so-called 'benefits culture' but because of mass unemployment caused by the collapse of major industries.

'It is a lack of jobs that puts people on benefits, not the other way round.

'Ministers must avoid the easy option of demonising people on benefits. This attitude will not help a single person back into work.

'Instead we need an industrial strategy and proper investment to create jobs and give hope to the UK's marginalised communities.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The ONS figures are available at http://bit.ly/Smsgf8

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