Menu
24/02/2004
UK restricts EU workers' rights over 'Benefits Tourism' fears
Workers arriving in Britain after the accession of 10 new countries to the EU on May 1 will not be able to claim benefits for at least two years, the government has announced.
People from the 10 countries joining the European Union – eight of which were formerly within the Soviet bloc – will be able to move freely around the EU without immigration restrictions. However, the Home Secretary has said that in order to prevent so-called 'benefits tourists' tough measures were needed to the new dispensation was not abused.
David Blunkett said: "The UK has always welcomed hard working immigrants seeking to better themselves and contribute to our prosperity. Tougher benefit rules will make sure our generosity is not exploited."
The government has said that it is amending the rules under which a range of social security benefits and public services like health care and child benefit are provided to ensure that they are not abused.
A registration scheme will enable the government to monitor the number of people coming to the UK from the new EU countries and impose restrictions to protect the labour market if necessary.
"The obligation we have placed on working accession nationals to register with us is part of our wider crack down on illegal working," said Mr Blunkett.
"It will also pave the way for the introduction of ID cards which will eventually be given to all EU nationals living in the UK. If the registration scheme shows an imbalance in the labour market we will re-impose restrictions."
It is hoped that after accession, citizens of the new member countries – Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia – will help fill skills gaps and the 550,000 vacancies in the labour market.
However, the measures did not go far enough for the Tory Party, and Shadow Home Secretary David Davis accused Labour ministers of "floundering about at the last minute" with a series of "11th hour measures".
He said: "Britain's strategy for the free movement of labour, which impacts on British jobs and our public services, should have been clear, consistent and planned well in advance. Yet in the last few weeks, we have witnessed the astonishing spectacle of the Prime Minister inventing policy, being contradicted by his official spokesman, being put in his place by the Home Secretary, and blatantly ignored by the Minister for Europe."
Mr Davis said that without any methods of enforcement Mr Blunkett's announcement was "little more than a headline grabbing initiative".
"Yet again the British people have been badly served by this government. The shambles we have seen surrounding this policy sums up why Britain deserves better," he added.
(gmcg)
People from the 10 countries joining the European Union – eight of which were formerly within the Soviet bloc – will be able to move freely around the EU without immigration restrictions. However, the Home Secretary has said that in order to prevent so-called 'benefits tourists' tough measures were needed to the new dispensation was not abused.
David Blunkett said: "The UK has always welcomed hard working immigrants seeking to better themselves and contribute to our prosperity. Tougher benefit rules will make sure our generosity is not exploited."
The government has said that it is amending the rules under which a range of social security benefits and public services like health care and child benefit are provided to ensure that they are not abused.
A registration scheme will enable the government to monitor the number of people coming to the UK from the new EU countries and impose restrictions to protect the labour market if necessary.
"The obligation we have placed on working accession nationals to register with us is part of our wider crack down on illegal working," said Mr Blunkett.
"It will also pave the way for the introduction of ID cards which will eventually be given to all EU nationals living in the UK. If the registration scheme shows an imbalance in the labour market we will re-impose restrictions."
It is hoped that after accession, citizens of the new member countries – Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia – will help fill skills gaps and the 550,000 vacancies in the labour market.
However, the measures did not go far enough for the Tory Party, and Shadow Home Secretary David Davis accused Labour ministers of "floundering about at the last minute" with a series of "11th hour measures".
He said: "Britain's strategy for the free movement of labour, which impacts on British jobs and our public services, should have been clear, consistent and planned well in advance. Yet in the last few weeks, we have witnessed the astonishing spectacle of the Prime Minister inventing policy, being contradicted by his official spokesman, being put in his place by the Home Secretary, and blatantly ignored by the Minister for Europe."
Mr Davis said that without any methods of enforcement Mr Blunkett's announcement was "little more than a headline grabbing initiative".
"Yet again the British people have been badly served by this government. The shambles we have seen surrounding this policy sums up why Britain deserves better," he added.
(gmcg)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 June 2017
Number Of Unemployment Claimants Falls
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Northern Ireland has dropped, new figures have revealed. A total of 31,200 people claimed in May 2017, according to the latest labour market survey. The rate is above the UK averages of 4.6%, however it is below the European Union rate for March 2017.
Number Of Unemployment Claimants Falls
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Northern Ireland has dropped, new figures have revealed. A total of 31,200 people claimed in May 2017, according to the latest labour market survey. The rate is above the UK averages of 4.6%, however it is below the European Union rate for March 2017.
14 May 2014
Unemployment Falls For 15th Consecutive Month
The number of unemployed people in Northern Ireland has fallen for the 15th month in a row, down by 800 in April, and now standing at 56,100, according to the latest labour market figures published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).
Unemployment Falls For 15th Consecutive Month
The number of unemployed people in Northern Ireland has fallen for the 15th month in a row, down by 800 in April, and now standing at 56,100, according to the latest labour market figures published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).
14 September 2017
NI Unemployment Remains Above UK Average
The latest figures from the Labour Force Survey have revealed that the employment rate fell by 1.3% over the year to August 2017. The Survey, from Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency, also revealed that the economic inactivity rate (27.8%) increased by 1.5% over the year.
NI Unemployment Remains Above UK Average
The latest figures from the Labour Force Survey have revealed that the employment rate fell by 1.3% over the year to August 2017. The Survey, from Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency, also revealed that the economic inactivity rate (27.8%) increased by 1.5% over the year.
20 April 2016
Unemployment Rises For Second Consecutive Month
Unemployment has risen for the second month in a row according to the latest Labour Force Survey (LFS). The report revealed that in those claiming unemployment benefits in Northern Ireland rose by 200 in March. It follows the same rise in February of this year. The current unemployment rate now stands at 38,600.
Unemployment Rises For Second Consecutive Month
Unemployment has risen for the second month in a row according to the latest Labour Force Survey (LFS). The report revealed that in those claiming unemployment benefits in Northern Ireland rose by 200 in March. It follows the same rise in February of this year. The current unemployment rate now stands at 38,600.
05 December 2017
ESRI Report Finds Workforce Skills Disparity
Almost half of Irish workers believe their skills are greater than needed for their jobs, according to new research published by the ESRI today, 05 December. The research examines the difference between the skills possessed by employees and those required to do their job.
ESRI Report Finds Workforce Skills Disparity
Almost half of Irish workers believe their skills are greater than needed for their jobs, according to new research published by the ESRI today, 05 December. The research examines the difference between the skills possessed by employees and those required to do their job.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
