Welfare reform campaign
Unite has joined forces with PCS, other unions and
political organisations to call on the government to urgently
rethink its welfare reform plans.
The welfare state is one of the UK's greatest
achievements and supports us all, especially vulnerable and
unemployed people and their families.
In July the government published the green paper ‘No one written
off: reforming welfare to reward responsibility’ announcing plans
to change the current provision of support.
Many of the plans were unacceptable when they were first
published and the worsening economic situation should lead to a
fundamental rethink. However the government is pressing ahead
despite the current global economic downturn which is leading to
increasing levels of unemployment. As a result we have come
together.
The government’s proposals remove entitlements and fail to value
the important work of parents and carers. Parents with young
children, carers, sick, disabled, people with mental health
problems and other vulnerable groups face tougher tests to qualify
for benefits. If they fail they could be cut off with no
support.
Unite is opposed to the abolition of Income Support which ends
the principle that those in need deserve help. We are opposed to
compulsory work for benefits. People should be paid the rate for
the job or at the very least be paid the national minimum wage.
Jobseekers Allowance is shockingly low at less than £10 a day,
if it had increased in line with earnings over the past 30 years
the rate for a single person over the age of 25 would be more than
£100 a week.
The government wants more of the welfare state to be handed over
to the private sector. It is wrong to profit from the sick and
unemployed. There is also the intention to share information with
the police which raises real concerns about civil liberties.
We want voluntary skills training and life long learning
opportunities for unemployed people. The government should focus on
ensuring that there is more support to access jobs that have fair
pay and decent conditions with a guarantee that when people cannot
seek work they will not face poverty.
The government should introduce positive measures to challenge
discriminatory attitudes held by employers, encourage flexible
working practices and expand the provision of affordable
childcare.
Unite want the government to rethink its plans. Support our
campaign to help create a better welfare state and society.
Click here to
download a leaflet giving further information
Click here to download a letter that
can be sent to your MP
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