the Daily Mail wrote:



Migrant jobseekers who don't bother to learn English will be stripped of benefits, says PM
Tough new measure is part of a slate of reforms to end welfare dependency and get Britain back to work

By Gareth Finighan

Last updated at 7:03 PM on 13th September 2011



Jobseekers whose poor English is stopping them getting work will be forced to attend free language training or face losing their benefits, the Prime Minister said today.

Under new rules coming into force, Jobcentre Plus advisers can mandate people onto training courses if they believe they lack the correct skills to find work.

Benefits claimants with poor English skills, which are preventing them from getting into employment, will be referred to specialist free English language training courses.

If claimants refuse to attend any of the classes recommended to them, they could have their benefits stopped.

Speaking during a visit to a work and welfare support centre, David Cameron said: 'We are getting rid of the old idea that you can get your welfare without conditions being put on that.

'We're saying that if there's something you need to help you get a job, for instance being able to speak English and learn English properly, it should be a requirement that you take that course, do that study in order for you to receive your benefits.

'That's good for you because it's going to help you get a job, it's good for the taxpayer because we won't be wasting money on welfare that's unnecessary, and it's good for the economy because we want more people in work creating a bigger, more productive economy.'

The Prime Minister said he did not know how many people were refusing to learn English but said job centre staff had asked for the condition to be implemented.

Mr Cameron spoke as he visited the A4E centre in Brixton, south London, which provides training and advice to people getting back into work.

He said a wide package of reforms covered by the Welfare Reform Bill - which had its second reading today - would help form 'the biggest back-to-work programme there has been in this country since the 1930s'.

Mr Cameron added: 'What we're doing is saying to everyone who has been stuck on benefits, whether jobseekers allowance or incapacity benefit, these organisations will help you get work.'

Mr Cameron, who spent more than an hour meeting staff and clients with Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith, said training providers such as A4E would be paid by the Government by results.

'So the more people they get into work, the more money they get,' he said.

'And crucially, the more people who have really been out of work a long time and are very challenged, and may have been on incapacity benefit for years, they'll get paid serious money for getting those people back in work.'