Conservatives propose benefit cuts for long-term unemployed and control how the lower benefits are spent?

 

The press have revealed that Conservative leaders have  unveiled plans to restrict how long-term unemployed benefit claimants can spend  their welfare payments, including preventing money being used on alcohol,  cigarettes and gambling.  Under the proposals, people judged capable of work would  receive six months of full Universal Credit to find a job, plus an additional  year at the full rate for every two years they had previously worked. Those who  had not paid enough into the system would then have their Universal Credit cut  by 30%, with the reduced payment transferred to a “Back to Work” card that  would prohibit cash withdrawals and spending on the restricted items. The  Conservatives estimate about 350,000 claimants would move to the lower rate,  saving around £538m a year. Sick and disabled people, and those already in  work, would be exempt. This follows on from Sir Charlie Mayfield, a  senior government adviser to the Treasury from 2010-2016 who has set out plans to change employers' relationships with their employees; he  advocates for direct communication between employees  and employers regarding sick leave.  The former John Lewis boss aims to change  workplace norms, suggesting that employees should not simply text or email  their absence. Instead, they should engage in dialogue about their health and  potential return-to-work plans.  Mayfield's report, titled Keep Britain Working,  argues that many long-term absences could be prevented through better  collaboration among the NHS, employers, and local councils. Labour has described both elements of these schemes as “unworkable”.