New attitude to unemployment needed

02/12/2008

A new attitude is needed to tackle unemployment, a government commissioned study has concluded.

Professor Paul Gregg from Bristol University has recommended a revision of the attitude towards parents with young children and those claiming incapacity benefit.

He said: "To compete in the modern economy, countries must realise the potential of each and every citizen."

Mr Gregg noted his recommendations could be difficult for the government to embrace but was confident it would agree "to treat benefit claimants as individuals and empower them to design their own route back to work".

The review recommends a long-term vision for three separate groups of claimant.

It says the 'Work Ready' group would be those claimants ready to return to employment, the 'Progression to Work' group would need more support before they were ready, and the 'No Conditionality' group, which simply could not return to work.

Unemployment has increased recently after number of high-profile companies laid off their workers.

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