Labour to shift welfare focus from benefits to job support, McFadden says

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has said the government must stop ‘simply writing a cheque’ for benefit claimants and instead provide more job support.

• McFadden said the government is preparing a renewed welfare reform effort to encourage people with health conditions into work.
• A government-commissioned review by Stephen Timms concluded that the Personal Independence Payment system is ‘not working’ and needs bold reforms.
• In May, the Milburn review urged a ‘whole system reset’ involving welfare, schools and employers to tackle rising youth worklessness.
• The government announced it is now supporting 100,000 people on the highest level of health-related benefits through its Pathways to Work scheme.