It is argued that the Bill would increase the responsibility on those receiving benefits to take active steps to find employment, and make more clear the expectations on people receiving support.
80 per cent in employment
The government argues that this legislation would enable the UK to meet its target of 80 per cent of the working age population being in employment, to reduce the number of incapacity benefit claimants by one million.
The main features of the Bill are the abolition of income support, with claimants either receiving Job Seekers’ Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance. The contribution conditions for these benefits are to be aligned, and work related activity is to be required in return for receipt of the Employment and Support Allowance.
Non-attendance
There is also to be a regime of sanctions for non attendance at a Job Centre, and partners of benefit claimants would also be required to conduct a job-search.
Further measures include the abolition of Adult Dependency Increases in Carers’ Allowance and in Maternity Allowances and work focused interviews for the over-60s. The Welfare Reform Bill would apply to England, Scotland and Wales.