Benefit claimants 'must take training'

Jobseekers will be required to take training courses or risk having their benefits cut, under new government plans.

Ministers will on Thursday unveiled a command paper containing measures to encourage people into work.

Work and pensions secretary James Purnell said that unemployed people must take responsibility to gain the skills needed for work.

Purnell also set out plans to force lone parents and people on incapacity benefit to take training.

"Signing up for benefits should be a contract for individuals to do whatever they can to get themselves into work - skills training is pivotal in getting people equipped to work," he said.

"We want to ensure that we give people the help they need to get back on their own two feet. But it's a two-way responsibility, that's why we want to make sure that everyone who needs training is required to do it as part of their benefit."

Skills secretary John Denham also announced that people finishing school without A-levels will be entitled to funding for training courses.

Under the move, £7,000-worth of training will be made available to 18-year-olds without A-levels from 2010.

The money could also be used to fund an apprenticeship with an employer.

So-called 'skills accounts' will be made available to under 25 year olds in work, before eventually being extended to those who are over 25.

"We are currently at 75 per cent employment - one of the highest rates ever - and that means that we can raise our aspirations. This is why we have increased our employment target to 80 per cent," Denham said.

"Now we must help people gain the higher skills they need to get the jobs of the future. This is essential as more and more jobs require specialised skills."

And he added: "Everyone understands that, in higher education, students can take a qualification with public funding. Advice and guidance are readily available.

"We cannot yet say this for skills and I am determined to ensure that those who do not go to university get similar support."