Priority 3: Getting people into work |
| Posted on Feb 12 2008 |
Shaun Bailey explains why getting people into work is so important...
New statistics have revealed that the number of people who are currently on benefits whose oldest benefit claim is more than five years has grown by 600,000 since 1999.
Since that time, the number of local authorities with more than 10% of the working age population claiming benefits for five years or more has more than trebled. These are overwhelmingly almost all Labour held authorities.
Locally, a massive 18% of the working age population is on some form of benefit and a staggering 3,725 lone parents are on income support.
We are always hearing Gordon Brown talk about getting people back into work, but if you look at unemployment levels today, things are now worse, by some measures than they have ever been, and people are stranded on benefits. Billions of pounds have been spent with no difference. Labour is failing the most vulnerable people in its heartlands. Put bluntly, having so many people currently inactive isn’t just a waste; it is a moral failure on our part.
I work in job clubs and I see first hand the positive effects that employment brings, especially amongst the worst off in our communities. Obtaining work gives the people who come into my office a sense of purpose, a feeling of empowerment and of really belonging in society. They gain hope for the future. The effects are amazing; on their behaviour, their self esteem, their happiness.
Furthermore, when children grow up in a family environment, surrounded by people in work, not only does this ensure they have less chance of growing up in poverty, but also gives them positive messages about how to get on in life.
Last changed: Feb 12 2008 at 6:47 PM
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