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Proceeding contribution from Lord McKenzie of Luton (Labour) in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 26 October 2011. It occurred during Committee proceeding and Debate on bill on Welfare Reform Bill.


Welfare Reform Bill

I thank the Minister for that and I understand his explanation of personal presentation. However, I press him on issues of work experience and work placement, because I do not believe that he Minister dealt with the question I posed about Clause 54, where an amendment to the Welfare Reform Act 2007 states: "““The reference to activity in subsection (7) includes work experience or a work placement.””" That adds something to that description, which presumably is done for a purpose. We would all, I am sure, recognise the benefit of work experience and work placements; but the issue is the extent to which those people who have limited capability for work, but are capable of work-related activity, can be caused to undertake them. That would be a departure from the current position. Are those part of what ESA claimants can be encouraged to do? I am trying to understand what the distinction between those and work is. When we debated issues of work for benefits under, I think, the Welfare Reform Act 2009, we debated workfare and the benefits or otherwise of all of that—generally otherwise—and the extent to which that was close to or tied up with work placements and work experience. If those issues relate to those who are fit for work, that is one thing; but is there not a risk that, under this legislation, we are importing that into another group, after those people have gone through the WCA assessment? That is my concern.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
731 c304-5GC 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
Subjects
Childcare Carers Costs Academic year Employment Jobseeker's allowance Families Interviews Jobcentre Plus Grandparents Low incomes Pay Part-time employment Lone parents Working hours Universal credit Transport Social security benefits Welfare tax credits Self-employed Employment and support allowance Kinship care
Legislation
Welfare Reform Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk