1 April 2004 - Minister pledges to tackle culture of worklessness
Britain has one of the best labour markets in the world but the Government is determined to tackle the culture of worklessness in inner cities to help people off benefits and into work, pledged Minister for Work Des Browne today.
In a keynote speech to a Work Foundation seminar on Working Cities, Mr Browne outlined the challenges ahead for Britain’s labour market and how he proposes to help those who are currently inactive and on benefits, but who want to work again.
“We are at the leading edge of labour market policies and representatives from all over the world come to see Jobcentre Plus and the New Deal programmes in action.
“Our enviable position is no accident and we are rightly proud of our successful policies, but we cannot be complacent. We must continue to move forward and I am determined to tackle the high pockets of persistent unemployment in inner cities,” said Mr Browne.
“The problems that cities across the UK face are not all the same, although there are some common problems. And, of course, the problems that individuals in cities face are not all the same either.
“We need to be flexible and tailor support to individual circumstances. Local solutions are needed for local problems – one size will not fit all.
“There are communities where not working has become the norm and where generations of families have grown up in households knowing nothing other than a life on benefits.
“This is a cycle which must be broken and I know that at least one million of those on inactive benefits actually want to work. With innovation and flexibility I am confident we can help them back into the labour market.
“I am determined we will show people there is a way out of this culture of worklessness and the poverty of aspiration which surrounds them. The problem is not a lack of jobs it is about making people believe they really can work again.”
Mr Browne was addressing a distinguished audience which included business leaders, local authorities, trade unions and employer organisations.
The discussion was led by socio-economic commentator Will Hutton and Mr Browne shared a platform with fellow speakers, Ed Williams, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility for Marks & Spencer; David Nicol, Chief Executive of the Wise Group; and Eamonn Boylan, Deputy Chief Executive of Manchester City Council.
As the Work Foundation seminar got under way, Working Neighbourhood Pilots, which will target pockets of high unemployment in 12 areas across the country, were launched.
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