This consultation set out the Government’s plans increase the numbers of people getting work. By 2013, people will either be on Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), or the Employment Support Allowance (ESA). Emphasis will be on what people can do and, where relevant, this will be tested by a new medical assessment. People with severe disabilities will get more cash under ESA. Others who qualify for the benefit will be placed in a “work” category and will receive personalised back-to-work support to help them prepare for work and overcome any barriers they face. It will be made clear to this group that ESA is a temporary situation to help them get fit to return to work. The proposals also include streamlining the benefit system, moving lone parents with children under seven on to JSA and offering more support to prepare them for work.
The conditions attached to receiving JSA will also be strengthened with a “work for benefits” scheme for the long-term unemployed. People unemployed for over two years and those abusing the system could be forced to take part in full-time activity such as community work at any point in their claim. People will have to train to get their job skills and drug users would be required to seek treatment or could lose their benefits.
In our response, Social Firms UK criticises the absence in the proposal of any form of support for job creation, which many people at disadvantage in the labour market need, particularly at a time of economic downturn. We express concern about “Work for your Benefit” proposals along with others, where we see a considerable risk that the outcome will not be what was intended. We welcome the commitment to increase Access to Work funding and more individualised support for people seeking work but flag up that this must be provided by fully trained and experienced advisors.