WELFARE Minister Alison McGovern was slammed last night after saying people on benefits will not be forced to take “any job” offered to them.
Under the last Tory government, people on the dole had to look for work and take up a role if a jobcentre found them one.
Ms. McGovern criticized the policy, implying that under Labour, individuals on unemployment benefits would have the freedom to choose their job without losing benefits.
She told The Guardian: “The Tories used to talk about ABC: ‘Any job, Better job, Career’.
“If you consider the career aspect first… Getting people into NHS jobs where they have the potential to advance is far more beneficial for them.”
Tory shadow welfare chief Helen Whately hit back: “The mask has slipped – and it’s the same old Labour.
“Those who are capable of working should do so. Failing to work is unjust toward themselves, the taxpayer, and the society that bears the increasing costs of unemployment.”
“It’s one of the biggest problems facing the country. But with the employment minister telling people not to worry about getting a job, we know the Government hasn’t got a grip.”
Last night, the government slapped down Ms McGovern – saying there was no change in policy and that jobless Brits on benefits must take work if offered it.
A Government source said: “There’s no change in policy. The rules remain the same: jobseekers have to be actively seeking work and they have to take up reasonable job offers.
“The Tories ran down job centres and locked millions of people out of work.
“This Labour government is changing the way job centres work to help more people into secure, well-paid jobs.”
