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27/04/2009
Drug Treatment Scheme Now Available For Jobseekers
A drug treatment referral scheme to get drug users off benefits and back into work starts operating across England today, Employment and Welfare Reform Minister Tony McNulty has announced.
Heroin or crack cocaine users claiming benefits in England will be able to access advice and referral from their Jobcentre to a drug treatment service so that they can get better and take steps to return to work.
The Welfare Reform Bill, currently before Parliament, includes provisions to pilot a new mandatory employment-support programme for problem drug users. They will be required to attend discussions about treatment and agree a rehabilitation plan. The plan will set out the steps they will take to address both their drug problem and any other barriers to work that they face. Failing to comply with the plan could result in benefit sanctions.
Today is the first step in the process that will follow once the Welfare Reform Bill has passed through Parliament.
Tony McNulty said: "From today every Jobcentre across England will be able to offer heroin and crack cocaine addicts on benefits access to the help and support they need so that they can get well and return to work - ultimately reducing the cost to society, reducing poverty, social exclusion and helping to improve people's health.
"But from next year our offer of help comes with an obligation for drug addicts to actively find out about the support options available to them - if they don't they could be sanctioned and may lose their benefits."
The scheme is a joint initiative by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health.
(JM/BMcC)
Heroin or crack cocaine users claiming benefits in England will be able to access advice and referral from their Jobcentre to a drug treatment service so that they can get better and take steps to return to work.
The Welfare Reform Bill, currently before Parliament, includes provisions to pilot a new mandatory employment-support programme for problem drug users. They will be required to attend discussions about treatment and agree a rehabilitation plan. The plan will set out the steps they will take to address both their drug problem and any other barriers to work that they face. Failing to comply with the plan could result in benefit sanctions.
Today is the first step in the process that will follow once the Welfare Reform Bill has passed through Parliament.
Tony McNulty said: "From today every Jobcentre across England will be able to offer heroin and crack cocaine addicts on benefits access to the help and support they need so that they can get well and return to work - ultimately reducing the cost to society, reducing poverty, social exclusion and helping to improve people's health.
"But from next year our offer of help comes with an obligation for drug addicts to actively find out about the support options available to them - if they don't they could be sanctioned and may lose their benefits."
The scheme is a joint initiative by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health.
(JM/BMcC)
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21 June 2006
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Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
09 July 2003
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
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.
25 September 2015
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17 October 2003
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
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