The Work Programme: Is It The End?
The devil is in the detail so it’s too soon to know exactly what George Osborne meant when he said today that the Government plans “a hard-headed assessment of under-performing (social security) programmes”.
This came along with yet more conditionality for those looking for work including weekly signing and forced English classes for non-English speakers. Both of these things will cost more money, not less, although mandatory ESOL – English For Speakers of Other Languages – has long been a feature of welfare-to-work style programmes and was originally introduced by Tony Blair. Meanwhile single parents with three year olds will now be subject to Jobcentre bullying, although they will not be required to take up work until their child is five.
The extension of the waiting period for unemployment benefits to seven days – a nasty little move that is squarely aimed at all those in work who may face…
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