Welfare Reform

The Conservative-led Government today published its proposals for welfare reform. I am clear that poverty in Dundee, in Scotland and the UK needs to be dealt with. We need to offer support to people who require help. We also need to ensure that no one is abusing the welfare system. Labour will support the Government in some of these policies but we will also make sure that vulnerable people in our society are protected.

I'm clear that the best way out of poverty is work. I will make jobs, jobs and jobs my priority in the forthcoming election campaign.


Labour's leader in Scotland Iain Gray MSP has commented:
"Welfare to work schemes won't work without jobs and only Labour has a credible plan for getting Scotland working again."
"There is a real risk that the Tory plan will push people into poverty when they need help getting into work."
"Labour will stand up to the Tories if they take away support from people who are out work through no fault of their own."
"Yesterday's figures showed that Scotland's unemployment rate is still higher than the UK level and the private sector isn't creating jobs fast enough to offset the Tories' public sector job cuts.""
"If I am First Minister Labour will make sure young people have the right to learn a trade by guaranteeing apprenticeships to those who are qualified and we'll make sure the lowest paid benefit from Labour's living wage."
"Labour will be fighting for jobs, for growth and to protect families worried about their future"