Tackling the “workshy” is a perennial preoccupation of our ruling classes.
In case you thought the IDS scheme was familiar – forcing people to do 4 week’s labour for their benefits – that is because it already exists. Since last October anyone out of work and claiming jobseekers’ allowance for over a year (in most parts of the country) has to take part in Flexible New Deal.
As the website explains:
Part of Flexible New Deal includes you doing work experience for four weeks to improve your chances of finding a job. You may also get training and other support to help you find a job.
This might explain Labour’s refusal to shed too many tears over the plan. (Although as someone points out to me the Flexible New Deal is only kicking in about now, one year after it was set up).
The media might want to ask the question of Mr Duncan Smith later in the week – in what way is this plan different to the one the coalition inherited?
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey
