Jobseekers (Back to Work Schemes) Bill

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Justice – in the House of Commons at 4:50 pm on 19 March 2013.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Esther McVey Esther McVey The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 4:50, 19 March 2013

The right to appeal remains. That is the answer.

Companies said that the mandatory scheme helped not just them but the local community. The hon. Member for Wansbeck said we did not need a Bill. Actually the Bill is required. Slave labour was mentioned, but that is not an issue. Targets were mentioned. There are no targets whatsoever.

We know that jobseekers should have responsibility to take all reasonable steps to increase their chances of finding work. We therefore cannot be in the position where we have to repay benefit sanctions to jobseekers who fail to take all reasonable steps. For that reason, I commend the Bill to the House.