Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
06 March 2014
Almost 500,000 People Helped Into Jobs Through The Work Programme
Nearly half a million people have been helped into jobs through the Work Programme and new measures will continue to improve the scheme. New measures to ensure the Work Programme continues to help more long-term unemployed back to work will see a new organisation brought in to run the scheme in one area.
Almost 500,000 People Helped Into Jobs Through The Work Programme
Nearly half a million people have been helped into jobs through the Work Programme and new measures will continue to improve the scheme. New measures to ensure the Work Programme continues to help more long-term unemployed back to work will see a new organisation brought in to run the scheme in one area.
19 February 2014
Almost 200,000 More People Now In Work
The latest employment figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the number of people in work rose by 193,000 to 30.15 million in the three months to December. The number of people unemployed fell to 2.34 million, a drop of 125,000, for the same period. The unemployment rate now stands at 7.2% with the employment rate at 72.
Almost 200,000 More People Now In Work
The latest employment figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the number of people in work rose by 193,000 to 30.15 million in the three months to December. The number of people unemployed fell to 2.34 million, a drop of 125,000, for the same period. The unemployment rate now stands at 7.2% with the employment rate at 72.
24 October 2012
Retired People 'Should Work For Pension'
A former benefits chief has suggested that retired people should be encouraged to do community work such as caring for the "very old" or face losing some of their pension.
Retired People 'Should Work For Pension'
A former benefits chief has suggested that retired people should be encouraged to do community work such as caring for the "very old" or face losing some of their pension.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
