Government will force lone parents to seek work

The independent Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) advised strongly against the measures but the government have ignored its recommendations.

In a statement today, the SSAC argued the changes would add to the numbers of those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance at a time when unemployment is increasing.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell said: "Work is the best route out of poverty and these reforms will offer lone parents access to a range of support to help move into paid work and stay there."

But the SSAC has dismissed the government's proposals as "a leap in the dark". The Committee asserted: "This regime is untried and its chances of success rest heavily on support services that have yet to be delivered in the quantity and variety that will be needed.

"The operation of a sanctions-based benefit regime risks placing lone parents in poverty if they are subject to financial penalties, thus jeopardising the aimed for reduction in child poverty."

If the regulations are approved by Parliament they will come into force from 24th November 2008.