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Proceeding contribution from John McDonnell (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 17 March 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill on Welfare Reform Bill.

Welfare Reform Bill

I do not know why my hon. Friend is dismissive, quite honestly. We have engaged in a fruitful debate until now. If a person declines a job, sanctions are available under the existing system. This provision introduces a sanction that forces people to work for their benefits. That is what this is all about. My hon. Friend said that we should turn this into an opportunity, and that is exactly what my amendments do. They offer an opportunity that we know—he has just demonstrated it—works on a voluntary basis but does not work when there is compulsion.

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
489 c820-1 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Staff Poverty Disability living allowance Contracts Childcare Benefits rules Department for Work and Pensions Equality Jobseeker's allowance Income support Jobcentres Eligibility Disqualification Domestic abuse Drugs Rehabilitation Private sector Jobcentre Plus Mental illness Low incomes Misuse Lone parents Reform Unemployment Pathways to work programme Social security benefits Scotland Social security Visual impairment Young people Unemployment benefits Work experience Sanctions Welfare to work
Legislation
Welfare Reform Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk