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Briefing paper highlights the importance of the informal economy
Community Links has submitted a briefing paper to government, highlighting the importance of the informal economy, and asking that it be properly included in the review of the welfare system promised over the next few months. The paper points out that there are very few reliable statistics on the extent of cash-in-hand work amongst benefit claimants, but that our research suggests it could… Read more.
DWP new Working Benefits campaign
We have been asked by the DWP to circulate news of their new Working Benefits campaign to the networks of organisations and individuals involved in Need NOT Greed. We welcome this ask as it highlights that the DWP recognise the reasons why people work without declaring; that eh transition off benefits and into work is a huge financial risk. However Working Benefits does not offer financially secure stepping stones into work and this is something we will continue to campaign for over the coming… Read more.
crack down on benefit fraud
Today the Conservatives announced plans to crackdown on benefit fraud; dramatically increasing the length of time people would go without benefits after their first caution. You can read the details here and our views here. The previous week the Lords debated the 'one strike'… Read more.
Increase the Earnings Disregard
Today saw the launch of our latest campaign to increase the earnings disregard for people on Jobseekers Allowance from £5 to £50. You can read about it on BBC News. Summary People on Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) face a £5 cap (or ‘earnings disregard’) on the amount they can keep each week when they get any kind of paid work. Above this amount, benefits are deducted… Read more.
Need not Greed featured in the Guardian
The Need Not Greed campaign featured in today's Guardian. The article highlights how the benefits system fuels the cash-in-hand economy, and how welfare reform should harness people's desire to work rather than threatening them with jail or poverty. Read more.