I have just returned from Chris Grayling's speech on welfare reform at the Centre for Policy Studies. The new detailed Conservative proposals he outlined on strengthening the work conditions of benefits and providing intensive compulsory back-to-work support for under 21s will greatly help in getting Britain's five million workless adults into jobs
However their potential to combat joblessness will only be fully realised if they are accompanied by reforms to the benefits system to ensure that getting a job always pays for welfare claimants. Many benefit recipients know that they will be no better off financially in work than at home on the dole. Providing complusory intensive back-to-work schemes and ensuring work pays for everyone are equally important in tackling the scourge of worklessness that disfigures so many communities.
