‘Delay welfare reform’ says advisor

A senior Government advisor has called for a rethink of changes to the welfare system he says could "push people into poverty" because of rising unemployment. Sir Richard Tilt said the so-called "welfare to work" reforms should be delayed by one or two years.

Under the changes, part of which come into force from Monday, lone parents, disabled people and the long term jobless will be forced to work. From Monday, lone parents with no children under 12 will no longer be able to make a new claim for income support. Instead they will be able to claim Income Support if they are looking for work.

Responding to Sir Richard's call, employment minister Tom McNulty said reform was crucial: "Now more than ever it is important to help people prepare for work and move closer to the labour market.

"In the 1980s and 1990s people were moved onto incapacity benefits and left to languish with no help or support to return to work. These changes will ensure that lone parents are ready for work whenever jobs become available."