Jobs announcement weak waffle

The Government's announcements to get more people into work is a waffle fest that is short on detail and lacks any commitment to delivering results, says National Social Services Spokesperson Katherine Rich.

"What the Government is doing is acknowledging National's concerns that there are far too many people trapped on welfare.

"The Government is feeling the pressure on this issue but no one's going to be fooled by the waffle. What this document does confirm is that Labour isn't capable of implementing the major changes needed to address the burgeoning welfare state.

"For example, the woolly and undefined term "employment coaching" won't ensure anyone else chooses work over picking up a benefit.

"The Government pretends to take a tougher line but stops half way with comments like "clarification for clients" who fail drug tests - what does that mean? Do they keep getting a benefit or not?

"This plan comes as the number of sickness beneficiaries has skyrocketed to 40,000. It says invalid and sickness beneficiaries will be assisted to retain links with the workforce "if they wish to" - if they are able to work they should be expected to try for jobs.

"None of this package provides incentives for people to choose joining the workforce over going on a benefit. Nothing presented today will decrease the number of welfare beneficiaries in the long-term.

"This is a public relations exercise and unfortunately it won't encourage more people going off welfare and back to work.

"Treasury projections still show major increases in benefit numbers for the next three years. Nothing presented today will change that," Mrs Rich says.

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