PCS responds to government’s Get Britain Working proposals
PCS has called on successive governments to do more to create quality, well paid, secure jobs rather than focusing on sanctioning claimants which does nothing to boost the economy.
Disappointingly, Work and Pensions secretary Liz Kendall has today announced the publication of the “Get Britain Working” white paper without consultation with PCS. While the government claims this is the first step in tackling economic inactivity PCS believes that, in reality, this signals a continuation of the previous government’s concerted attack on the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.
The plans suggest the creation of a new National Jobs and Careers Service. The details of this proposal are still unclear, however PCS remains committed to ensuring that our members' jobs and the services they provide remain part of the core civil service.
While the prime minister claims the reforms would put an end to “the culture of blaming and shaming people who for too long haven’t been getting the support they need to get back to work,” the emphasis in the white paper of sanctions for people who do not take up job opportunities will reinforce the culture of shaming benefit claimants, PCS believes.
PCS represents tens of thousands of members working in the DWP who are best placed to understand what works for claimants.
PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Greater resources for jobcentres and more flexibility for work coaches to deliver a more personalised service is welcome, as is improved coordination with local labour markets, but toughening sanctions will be counterproductive, as the DWP’s own research shows. Our members want to help people, not punish them.
“Many of the DWP’s own workers are having to claim Universal Credit because of endemic low pay in the civil service, and the government needs to do more to boost pay right across the workforce.”