"Benefit simplification – how and why it must be done" (PDF) Author: David Martin Publication date: 3 August 2009 The report calls for an integrated system of administering benefits to remove complexity and inefficiency in the benefits system. The author argues that creating a single agency to administer benefits will assist those who are genuinely […]
"Time's Up – The case against the EU's 48 hour working week" (PDF) Author: Open Europe Publication date: 16 March 2009 A fierce critique of the EU's plans to make it illegal for UK citizens to work longer than 48 hours per week by way of the proposed Working Time Directive. The report argues that such a […]
The Conservatives held a debate on unemployment in the House of Commons yesterday. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Theresa May spoke from the front bench. "I am sure that no one in this Chamber needs reminding of the unemployment challenge that this country faces. Every day, Members of this House deal with letters and e-mails […]
Yesterday the House of Commons had Work and Pensions questions. Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans asked what can be done to make parents take responsibility for their children: "Poverty for youngsters is often reinforced when a married couple separates by a missing parent who refuses to take their responsibility. The Child Support Agency is often […]
Theresa May, now Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, spoke today on the second reading of the Welfare Reform Bill. The Party supports the bill, although it also takes the view that it does not go far enough. Determined to continue the work of Chris Grayling, Mrs May set out her stall as […]
Shadow Welsh Minister Lord Roberts of Conwy asked the Government about unemployment yesterday. "To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the latest figures for (a) total unemployment in the United Kingdom, and (b) claimants of unemployment benefit. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord McKenzie of Luton): My Lords, in the […]
Lord Roberts of Conwy, Shadow Minister for Wales in the House of Lords, posed an important question yesterday: "To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the latest figures for (a) total unemployment in the United Kingdom; and (b) claimants of unemployment benefit. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Lord McKenzie of […]
The House of Commons was dominated by the Pre-Budget Report yesterday, which has been well reported elsewhere on ConservativeHome. But there was also an oral questions session on Work and Pensions. David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, exposed a worrying fact – that far too many gas fitters are not properly qualified: "Mr. David […]
Yesterday the House of Lords debated a Pensions Bill. Lord Skelmersdale, a member of the Conservative Work and Pensions team, has indicated his disgust at Labour and Liberal Democrat tactics. Lord Fowler (a former Secretary of State for Health and Social Security) tabled an amendment to the bill. Currently people with personal, defined contribution pensions […]
Chris Grayling: "I find it baffling when the Secretary of State talks about his achievements. According to the Office for National Statistics, the unemployment rate among 16 to 24-year-olds was 14.1 per cent. in 1997; today it is 14.5 per cent., and nearly 50,000 more young people are unemployed. When the Secretary of State said […]