THERE is a long-term unemployment problem, however Minister James Purnell is Tory Boy with large knobs on.
His reform to the welfare system omits to mention that bosses calls the shots on jobs.
Mr Purnell should ask employers if they favour giving jobs to the long-term unemployed. The answer will come back “No way Jimmy!’’ (There are exceptions). Even prior to the recent white paper on benefits; A4E and Pathways to work were all over the country (taxpayer funded?). To those who are worried by Mr Purnell’s harsh plans, they do not take effect for almost two years. Frank Field, another hardliner, thinks the 'community' should provide jobs for those who can't get work. That's worth thinking about.
MAX NOTTINGHAM, Lincoln.
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