White paper sets out most severe welfare penalties ever imposed by a British government

[marmar]

from the Guardian UK:



Ian Duncan Smith, the work and pensions secretary, today unveiled a draconian claimant "contract", setting out the scale of welfare penalties to be imposed on people who are out of work.

Duncan Smith, who said earlier today that it is a "sin" that people fail to take up work, published a white paper expected to outline the most severe welfare sanctions ever imposed by a British government, which he said would create a system "fit for the 21st century, where work always pays".

The new measures will see the unemployed losing benefits for up to three years if they refuse community work or the offer of a job.

Those without jobs will lose benefits for three months if they fail to take up one of the options for the first time, six months if they refuse an offer twice, and three years if they refuse an offer three times.

Out-of-work parents of young children will be penalised if they fail to keep in touch with their local jobcentre. ........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/nov/11/iain-duncan-smith-unveils-welfare-contract

[ipaint]

1. The rich are on the war path worldwide.

Sounds like Clinton's draconian welfare reform.

[LeftishBrit]

2. Ian Duncan-Smith is one of the most disgusting creatures ever.

All the right-wing viciousness of his predecessor as MP, Norman Tebbit; but in his case dressed up with a lot of pseudo-compassionate jargon. Our version of a Christian Rightie. He was party leader some years ago, and then just seemed stupid. But the years, and the ascent to power, have made him much worse.

And if you think some of your Democrats are too weak and inclined to compromise with the Right - you should meet the LibDem leader, and top Tory-enabler, Nick Clegg!

[marmar]

3. Yeah, I was reading a statement from Clegg this morning....The man is Jell-O.

nt

[tigereye]

4. "where work always pays" - sounds sort of 1984ish...