WE WILL TACKLE WELFARE DEPENDENCY

We have launched our new welfare contract. It is based on our belief that the old way – the big government way – has failed and we need to tackle welfare dependency in a new way
So in our new welfare contract our message is simple. Do the right thing and we will back you all the way but fail to take responsibility and the free ride is over.
For those who are looking for work there will be unprecedented support through our single, comprehensive Work Programme, which will be up and running by the end of 2010. By tapping into private and voluntary sector expertise, we will offer specialist and tailored support to individuals. We will make sure help is available when it is needed; straightaway for those really struggling to find work and after six months for under 25s.
But we know that to tackle unemployment we must also broaden opportunities. So we will offer substantial loans and access to business mentors to support self-employment as a route out of unemployment. For young people, we will offer 400,000 extra apprenticeship, training and college places over two years. Additionally, we will create a range of business led training places, including up to 50,000 in the hospitality and leisure industry, to ensure people are trained with the skills businesses need.
The other side of the contract is a new tough sanctions regime for those who don’t take responsibility. We will cut the benefits of anyone on Jobseeker’s Allowance who refuses to join the Work Programme; and if you refuse to take up a reasonable job offer your benefit will also be cut, for up to three years if you refuse three reasonable job offers. There will also be a tough new three strikes policy for people who commit benefit fraud, with up to three years loss of benefit for anyone committing fraud three times.
So the message is clear, government has a responsibility to help people find work but we’re all in this together and individuals have a responsibility to make use of the support that we will provide. Play your part and we will back you. If you don’t the free ride will be over.
The provision to offer 400,000 extra apprenticeships will be welcome in Brighton Kemptown. It is most important that we reduce youth unemployment in our constituency.