WIREDGOV

Commenting on figures published yesterday (Thursday) by the Department for Work and Pensions on the government's Work Programme, TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said:

'Despite the official spin, the Work Programme is still failing to deliver for many jobseekers.

'Just one person in 25 is able to find a proper job after a year on the scheme, and disabled people have seen virtually no benefit since its introduction. Although there has been an increase in placements for those on those on the dole these improvements are starting to tail off.

'The government is obsessed with punishing those out of work, rather than helping them find jobs. The best way to get to grips with our unemployment crisis would be to offer a jobs guarantee for anyone out of work for at least a year.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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