Donohoe backs benefit cuts

Brian Donohoe, is backing plans, set out last week by the Labour Party leader, to cut out of work benefits for 18 to 21-year-olds and replace them with a less costly means-tested payment dependent on training.

The MP said: “I am well aware that among some this may not be a welcome proposal however, we must take it on the face of what it could achieve.

“We have too many young people in this age group relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance and not actually doing anything to improve their prospects. We need to reform welfare in this country and it must reflect the fact that there is a majority of working people who feel the welfare system is failing to reward people who have worked and contributed to it.

“This policy is designed to encourage young people to gain the skills they need to secure a job.” Under the plan, 18 to 21-year-olds will only get Jobseeker’s Allowance if they already have the skills to get a job.

The proposals have already been criticised by Britain’s biggest trade union - and Labour’s biggest financial backer - Unite.

Assistant General Secretary Steve Turner said: “Our young people did not cause the economic crash and shouldn’t be made to pay for it. Any idea that they want a life on benefits is risible when all they want is a decent job and a future.” Mr Donohoe argued: “Too many young people find themselves leaving school with little or no qualifications – which in part is a failure of the education system in my opinion – and languishing on benefits for many years with no real prospects and no urge to better themselves.

“That should not be what we want for our young people – there are many out there who have worked hard at school and in further education who simply find it hard to get a job. However, this plan would not unfairly penalise them.

“If you have the qualifications and skills to get a job you will be entitled to claim an out of work benefit while looking for employment.”