Labour Market

Government should look at expansion of work schemes


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Work schemes are beneficial

Commenting on today’s back-to-work scheme ruling by the Court of Appeal, Mark Littlewood, Director General at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said:

“The government should be looking at how it can extend work schemes. For the long-term unemployed the discipline and skills learnt through being in a workplace are vital. It is entirely reasonable to suggest that people who are able to work should do so.

“Evidence shows the power of these schemes. Making some work element compulsory in order to receive certain benefits would remove the incentive for people not to find paid employment. More local responsibility for these schemes would create more diverse options and ensure that they were best tailored towards the needs of the unemployed.”

Notes to Editors:

To arrange an interview with an IEA spokesperson, please contact Stephanie Lis, Director of Communications: 020 7799 8909, slis@iea.org.uk

The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems.

The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.



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