The Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell is looking to change the benefits system. The plans, unveiled on Monday, could become the largest reform of the welfare system in the last 60 years.
The Work and Pensions secretary made it clear that the long-term unemployed may be forced into work. James Purnell was reported as telling Sky News: "After a year ... you'll be required to do at least four weeks' full-time work in return for your benefits."
For those people that are unemployed for more than a two year period, full-time work will be the only option. The aim of the government, Purnell reportedly said, was to reduce the number of people claiming incapacity benefit by one million by 2015.
How the measures will influence the state pension remain to be seen. In other news about pension schemes this week, it appears that many pensioners go on a spending spree during the first year of having their pension .
Pension minister wants to reform benefits
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Pension minister wants to reform benefits
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