Review calls for Government to extend welfare to work conditionality

The Government should introduce new tougher welfare reforms so that almost no one can claim benefits without taking active steps to address barriers to work, according to a review published today.

The review, 'Realising Potential', undertaken by Professor Paul Gregg from Bristol University, was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell, to look at how more unemployed people can be moved from benefits and into work.

The review proposes a new 'progression to work' group, including parents with children over one year old, partners of people on benefits with children under seven and incapacity benefit claimants who are considered to be capable of work.