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16/06/2006
Poverty 'motivates' benefit cheats
The practice of people taking 'cash-in-hand' low-paid jobs or not declaring work while on benefits is being used as a last resort response to acute poverty or crises according to a report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
The six-year study carried out by Community Links in east London found that people worked informally to pay for food, heating and to stave off mounting debt.
The report's authors said that it demonstrated how informal work is often a response to poverty and to times of crisis such as family breakdown.
The report's author Aaron Barbour, Community Links' Research and Policy Development Manager, said: "People in deprived areas are resorting to informal paid work because they are trying to support, feed and clothe their families. They are hard-working, ordinary people trying to survive day by day.
"The Government needs to understand and include the informal economy in all its strategies if it is to reach its employment, anti-poverty and regeneration targets. They should harness the assets of people working informally their effort, skills and willingness to work rather than seeing it as a problem."
The report also made a range of policy recommendations.
These included support, training and development for those who want to move into formal work; tax and benefit reform based on an understanding of why people work informally and employment flexibility to accommodate needs around childcare or health issues.
(SP/CD)
The six-year study carried out by Community Links in east London found that people worked informally to pay for food, heating and to stave off mounting debt.
The report's authors said that it demonstrated how informal work is often a response to poverty and to times of crisis such as family breakdown.
The report's author Aaron Barbour, Community Links' Research and Policy Development Manager, said: "People in deprived areas are resorting to informal paid work because they are trying to support, feed and clothe their families. They are hard-working, ordinary people trying to survive day by day.
"The Government needs to understand and include the informal economy in all its strategies if it is to reach its employment, anti-poverty and regeneration targets. They should harness the assets of people working informally their effort, skills and willingness to work rather than seeing it as a problem."
The report also made a range of policy recommendations.
These included support, training and development for those who want to move into formal work; tax and benefit reform based on an understanding of why people work informally and employment flexibility to accommodate needs around childcare or health issues.
(SP/CD)
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17 February 2015
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
12 February 2013
Scottish Referendum To Be Legally Approved
The power to hold a referendum on Scottish independence is to be officially and legally granted to Holyrood later in London. The Scottish Parliament will be granted the official powers under a Section 30 order by the Privy Council. The is a formality but nevertheless a significant step towards the referendum.
Scottish Referendum To Be Legally Approved
The power to hold a referendum on Scottish independence is to be officially and legally granted to Holyrood later in London. The Scottish Parliament will be granted the official powers under a Section 30 order by the Privy Council. The is a formality but nevertheless a significant step towards the referendum.
17 August 2005
Government recommends care home changes
A Government's action plan to improve the quality of care home services has been welcomed as a "positive response" by the OFT. However, consumer group 'Which?' prompted the original OFT inquiry, has criticised the proposed reforms as "vague" and called for more detail to be included.
Government recommends care home changes
A Government's action plan to improve the quality of care home services has been welcomed as a "positive response" by the OFT. However, consumer group 'Which?' prompted the original OFT inquiry, has criticised the proposed reforms as "vague" and called for more detail to be included.
09 October 2015
UK Construction Output Falls In August
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a fall in construction output for the month of August. In August 2015, output in the UK's construction industry dropped by 4.3% compared with July 2015. Compared with August 2014, it fell by 1.3%, its first year-on-year fall since May 2013. All new work declined by 3.
UK Construction Output Falls In August
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a fall in construction output for the month of August. In August 2015, output in the UK's construction industry dropped by 4.3% compared with July 2015. Compared with August 2014, it fell by 1.3%, its first year-on-year fall since May 2013. All new work declined by 3.
25 March 2011
UK Crime Fighters Search Launched
A national search for nation's most innovative crime fighting projects has been launched by the crime prevention minister. The Tilley Awards, now in their thirteenth year, recognise crime fighting projects where police, community safety groups and the public work together to tackle problems identified by their local communities.
UK Crime Fighters Search Launched
A national search for nation's most innovative crime fighting projects has been launched by the crime prevention minister. The Tilley Awards, now in their thirteenth year, recognise crime fighting projects where police, community safety groups and the public work together to tackle problems identified by their local communities.
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