Neidio i’r llywio Neidio i’r cynnwys Neidio i’r troedyn

Rydym yn defnyddio cwcis i wella eich profiad o'n gwefan.
Gallwch ddarganfod mwy neu ddileu allan o rai cwcis - mae'r polisïau hyn ar gael yn Saesneg.

Menu

Welfare system must not be used to punish the long-term unemployed

30 Medi 2013

Citizens Advice has warned that the welfare system must take the needs of those who use it into account, as George Osborne prepares to announce the new Help to Work programme aimed at the long-term unemplyed

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of national charity Citizens Advice, said:

"The benefits system must not be used to punish the long-term unemployed for circumstances which are outside their control. Caring responsibilities or sky-high transport costs will make it very difficult for many people to attend community work or jobcentres in person every day.

"It's vital that the Government provides proper support for those who face extra barriers to work, such as mental illness or mobility problems, and understands that these conditions will sometimes make participation in this scheme impossible. We are already receiving reports from bureaux that benefit sanctions are fuelling a rise in food bank referrals. Helping the unemployed back into work should be a cornerstone of the benefits system, but the Government must remember that without this lifeline, many will be pitched into dire financial straits."

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk
  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.