Government must be bolder to reach reform goals, claims MP

Nov 15 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

BIRKENHEAD MP Frank Field has urged the Government to be "bolder" to achieve its goals of full employment and welfare reform.

The former minister argued young people would support measures such as imposing sanctions on people who abused employment programmes.

His report included findings from a focus group of unemployed young people, who said students should be allowed to leave school at the age of 14 if they had achieved a minimum leaving certificate.

Every school leaver should be given an individual action plan to help them find a job or training, said the report.

Mr Field said: "There is full support for radical welfare reform on the ground among young people themselves.

"The Government understands the need to link welfare with behaviour in principle.

"Greater boldness in practice will enable it to deliver its outstanding goal of full employment."

Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain said: "I am determined to reduce the numbers of working age people who are dependent on benefit, including those young people who have finished their education and are ready to start work.

"The New Deal for Young People has helped over 700,000 18-24 year olds into work, but we want to go further, equipping young people with the skills and support they need to find sustainable work.

"We will give them this training, and we are working with major employers through the Local Employer Partnership scheme to give them opportunities."