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27/04/2009
Drug Treatment Scheme Now Available For Jobseekers
A drug treatment referral scheme to get drug users off benefits and back into work starts operating across England today, Employment and Welfare Reform Minister Tony McNulty has announced.
Heroin or crack cocaine users claiming benefits in England will be able to access advice and referral from their Jobcentre to a drug treatment service so that they can get better and take steps to return to work.
The Welfare Reform Bill, currently before Parliament, includes provisions to pilot a new mandatory employment-support programme for problem drug users. They will be required to attend discussions about treatment and agree a rehabilitation plan. The plan will set out the steps they will take to address both their drug problem and any other barriers to work that they face. Failing to comply with the plan could result in benefit sanctions.
Today is the first step in the process that will follow once the Welfare Reform Bill has passed through Parliament.
Tony McNulty said: "From today every Jobcentre across England will be able to offer heroin and crack cocaine addicts on benefits access to the help and support they need so that they can get well and return to work - ultimately reducing the cost to society, reducing poverty, social exclusion and helping to improve people's health.
"But from next year our offer of help comes with an obligation for drug addicts to actively find out about the support options available to them - if they don't they could be sanctioned and may lose their benefits."
The scheme is a joint initiative by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health.
(JM/BMcC)
Heroin or crack cocaine users claiming benefits in England will be able to access advice and referral from their Jobcentre to a drug treatment service so that they can get better and take steps to return to work.
The Welfare Reform Bill, currently before Parliament, includes provisions to pilot a new mandatory employment-support programme for problem drug users. They will be required to attend discussions about treatment and agree a rehabilitation plan. The plan will set out the steps they will take to address both their drug problem and any other barriers to work that they face. Failing to comply with the plan could result in benefit sanctions.
Today is the first step in the process that will follow once the Welfare Reform Bill has passed through Parliament.
Tony McNulty said: "From today every Jobcentre across England will be able to offer heroin and crack cocaine addicts on benefits access to the help and support they need so that they can get well and return to work - ultimately reducing the cost to society, reducing poverty, social exclusion and helping to improve people's health.
"But from next year our offer of help comes with an obligation for drug addicts to actively find out about the support options available to them - if they don't they could be sanctioned and may lose their benefits."
The scheme is a joint initiative by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health.
(JM/BMcC)
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Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
Government announces funding for drug treatment services
Drug treatment services across the country will receive an extra £95.2 million this year, under new plans announced by the government. The Department of Health, supported by £22 million of funding from the Home Office, will provide Drug Action Teams with £394.6 million - an increase of over 30% from last year.
09 July 2003
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
Rise in crack users sent for treatment
More crack users are being targeted in custody and referred to drug treatment services, a new report published by the Home Office claims. The 'Arrest Referral' report shows that between October 2001 and September 2002, 12,014 crack users were interviewed, and of those 8,656 were referred to specialist drug treatment services - 18.
17 February 2015
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
25 September 2015
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
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A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
23 July 2008
Drug Abuse Accounts For 'A Third Of Death', Says Report
Drug abuse accounts for a third of the deaths behind Scotland's higher mortality rate, according to a study published on bmj.com. Death rates in Scotland are higher than in England and Wales and the difference between the nations is increasing. Traditionally this has been blamed on the higher levels of deprivation in Scotland.
Drug Abuse Accounts For 'A Third Of Death', Says Report
Drug abuse accounts for a third of the deaths behind Scotland's higher mortality rate, according to a study published on bmj.com. Death rates in Scotland are higher than in England and Wales and the difference between the nations is increasing. Traditionally this has been blamed on the higher levels of deprivation in Scotland.
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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.
