Many claimants ‘trapped in a vicious cycle between low pay and benefits’
Plans proposed by Labour will require people receiving jobseekers allowance (JSA) to take up training if they do not meet basic standards of maths, English and IT skills, or risk losing their benefits.
Under the plans, claimants will face a basic skills test and could be sent on training courses to improve their skills within weeks of signing on.
Rachel Reeves, Labour’s shadow work and pensions secretary, announced the plans this morning, which would be introduced if her party win the next general election.
Speaking at an Institute for Public Policy Research event this morning, Reeves said: “We all know that basic skills are essential in today’s jobs market. But the shocking levels of English and maths among too many jobseekers are holding them back from getting work, and trapping them in a vicious cycle between low paid work and benefits.”
She said that almost one in ten people claiming JSA don’t have basic English skills, while more than one in ten don’t have basic maths.
IT skills among jobseekers were found to be even worse as nearly half do not have basic email skills, which are essential for the majority of job applications, Reeves said.
“We know that this keeps people out of jobs: those out of work are twice as likely than those in work to lack basic English and maths,” the MP explained. “When people who lack these skills do get jobs, they too often find themselves in short term or temporary work, with a swift return to benefits.
“Research shows that nearly one in five of those who have made multiple claims for unemployment benefits have problems with reading or numeracy.”
She added: “If you need extra training to help you get a job, then it’s our responsibility to make sure the training is there - but it is your responsibility to do the training you need to get off Jobseeker’s Allowance and into work. If you don’t, then there will be sanctions.
“Of course, the vast majority of people on benefits want more than anything else to be in work and are doing all they can to get work.”
It has been estimated by Labour that as many as 300,000 people could be affected if the policy comes into force.
However, a spokesman for the Conservative party said: "Labour are copying a Conservative policy that already exists and that is superior to the one they are proposing.
"After 13 years of Labour running our education system, many young people looking for work do not have the English and maths skills they need to get a job.
"That's why, starting in some areas at first, anyone aged 18 to 21 signing on without these basic skills will be required to undertake training from day one or lose their benefits."