Move to make addicts employable

Now this I do agree with, it's my worst Hobby Horse that the Drunks and Drug Users get so much more Money from the Benefits System than good honest People who simply can't get a Job...... All Power to their Elbow I say......What Say You?

Drug addicts and alcoholics rendered unable to work by their condition will face active intervention in their lives to make them clean and employable, a Cabinet minister is to say.

Changes to the welfare system will be focus on getting those claiming benefits because of reliance on drink and drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine into rehabilitation and ultimately the world of work, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith will say.

In a speech to an event hosted by Alcoholics Anonymous, he will say the Welfare State has failed the almost 360,000 addicts who rely on benefits for their income.

He will argue at the event at the Houses of Parliament in London that his new Universal Credit system will encourage them to seek help and become employable again.

"The outdated benefits system fails to get people off drugs and put their lives on track," he will say.

"We have started changing how addicts are supported, but we must go further to actively take on the devastation that drugs and alcohol can cause. Under Universal Credit we want to do more to encourage and support claimants into rehabilitation for addiction and starting them on the road to recovery and eventually work.

"Getting people into work and encouraging independence is our ultimate goal. Universal Credit will put people on a journey towards a sustainable recovery so they are better placed to look for work in future and we will be outlining our plans shortly."

Statistics from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) show that almost 40,000 people claim incapacity benefits with alcoholism as their primary diagnosis. The DWP says 13,300 of these people have been claiming for at least 10 years. It also says that around 80% of Britain's estimated 400,000 "problem drug users", some 320,000 people are claiming out-of-work benefits.

Combating the effect of drink and drug addictions are the latest step in Mr Duncan Smith's controversial reform of the benefit system.

Re: Move to make addicts employable

And the best of luck to him with that Roxy, he's going to need all that he can get.....

Re: Move to make addicts employable

Of course the ultimate aim is to stop benefits for all who they deem to have work capability. Which is right but how on earth do you get employers, who have the pick of a huge pool of unemployed who want to work, to choose drug addicts and alcoholics as reliable employees. It's a complete farce. And if Ian can rehabilitate the nations addicts and drunks, then he will be nothing short of a miracle worker and maybe he can solve our financial problems too. And I wonder how much money is going to be throw at these new proposals.

Re: Move to make addicts employable

I'd be more than happy to see them off Drugs and Drink altogether, cleaned up and not needing the Stuff any more....then they can get the same Money as the rest of the Unemployed while they are made to look for Work...that should save the DHSS a Heafty Wack

Re: Move to make addicts employable

I totally agree Roxy. But it's all farcical rhetoric, he can't possibly make it happen. It's all about reducing the benefits bill. And I dread to think what the addicts will turn to, to feed their habit.