New reforms send the unemployed back to work

The long term unemployed will have to take part in work trials and work experience under welfare reform announced today by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper.

More than three quarters of a million unemployed people are expected to be in work by the end of next year under the new Flexible New Deal programme and £1 billion Future Jobs Fund.

In trial areas, jobseekers out of work for more than six months who have turned down work experience or training that could help them get jobs will now find that advisers will be able to make them take up a work placement or trial as part of a condition to get their benefits.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper said: “A lot of people are still having a tough time finding work and we’re investing £5bn to give them more help. We’re working with businesses, local councils and voluntary sector groups as part of a major change in the way the welfare state delivers more personalised support to help people into work. But in return everyone has to do their bit to find work or take up the new help that’s on offer. Otherwise it’s not fair on everyone else who’s trying desperately hard to find a job and support their families.”