JOBSEEKERS ALLOWANCE

Early day motion 709, tabled 28 January 1998 by Audrey Wise (Labour). Signed by 55 members.

That this House notes that the Jobseeker's Allowance (Amendment) Regulations, which increase waiting days from three to seven, was proposed and announced by the previous Tory Government in November 1996; observes that the Social Security Advisory Committee has said the proposal 'would add unacceptably to the hardship experienced by unemployed people and their families' and that 'people will be less likely to take the risk of starting casual work or work of short duration' and has advised the Government not to proceed with it; regrets that the Labour Government is nevertheless proceeding with these Tory regulations in order to save ú65 million but also notes that the Tory front bench has changed its position and is now opposing its own proposal; and therefore calls on the Government to withdraw these Tory regulations which even the Tories have now deserted.

Signatures by party: Labour 39, Liberal Democrat 9, Scottish National Party 4, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.