Government tightens jobseeker guidelines

Jobseekers face losing benefits for three years under tough new rules introduced by the UK government today.

People who refuse to accept jobs or voluntarily leave a job without good reason have previously had their benefit stopped for three months.

Ministers said the new rules sent a clear message that people receiving benefits had a
responsibility to seek work in exchange for receiving job-
seekers allowance.

Jobseekers who are ready to work hard and want to get on will get all the support they need through Jobcentre Plus and schemes such as the Work Programme, the government said.

Minister for employment Mark Hoban said: “Choosing a life on benefits when you’re able to work is not an option.

“These rules send out a clear message to jobseekers. We will offer them the support they need to find work, but in return for receiving benefits they have responsibilities, too.”