HC Deb 03 June 1980 vol 985 c613W
23. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about the entitlement of people on strike, and of people locked out, whether trade unionists or not, respectively, to draw social security for their families; and if they will each be treated in the same way.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

The Social Security (No. 2) Bill proposes a reduction of £12 a week in the benefit payable for the dependants of a person who is participating in or directly interested in a stoppage of work at his place of employment, whether he is on strike or locked out, and whether or not he is a trade unionist. The Bill also proposes to abolish the present disregard of £4 on income tax refunds, but it is intended that regulations will provide for a disregard of up to £12 on strike pay and for special hardship payments in very exceptional circumstances.