I was pleased to have the opportunity to ask the Secretary of State to clarify the Government’s approach to benefits; supporting those in need of help and ensuring those who are fit to work, try to seek work, as part of our social contract.
The Chancellor was clear in the Spring Budget that increasing employment raises living standards and helps businesses grow. I wholeheartedly agree with this. Businesses in Runnymede and Weybridge, and across the country, need motivated and committed workers to operate and expand their enterprises.
However, I know from constituents that, too often, interview slots are taken up by those who do not have a genuine interest in the role. Instead, some are engaged in a tick-box exercise to show that they have attended interviews in order to continue receiving benefits. This practice does not work for businesses or benefits recipients.
Last week I asked the Secretary of State to clarify his position on tightening the benefits sanctions regime to ensure those in receipt of benefits do attend interviews, with the intention accepting jobs when they are offered.
In his response, the Secretary of State rightly emphasised that our compassionate benefits system is underpinned by a two-way arrangement: the Government will provide support to those in need of it, while benefits recipients commit to proactively seeking employment and re-entering the workforce where they are fit to do so.
Work Coaches put in place by the Department for Work and Pensions play a vital role in providing jobseekers with tailored advice to build their skills and find new jobs in expanding sectors. When coupled with a clear and fair sanctions regime, this programme will help to ensure that jobseekers can re-enter the workforce and grow our economy, while enabling those who cannot work to continue being supported by our benefits system.
