LONDON, March 15 (Reuters) - British finance minister
Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday said that disabled benefit claimants
would be able to seek work without losing financial support as
part of an overhaul to help alleviate a tight labour market.
"It is the biggest change to our welfare system in a
decade," Hunt said in the annual budget speech.
"(The) plans will abolish the Work Capability Assessment in
Great Britain and separate benefit entitlement from an
individual’s ability to work. As a result, disabled benefit
claimants will always be able to seek work without fear of
losing financial support."
In separate measures for those without a health condition,
he said sanctions would be applied more rigorously for people
who "choose not to take up a reasonable job offer."
(Reporting by David Milliken, writing by Alistair Smout,
editing by William James)
Messaging: alistair.smout.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.