§ 23. Mr. HendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what reforms of the benefit system he is planning in order to help unemployed people back to work. [14374]
Mr. EvansWe are introducing three measures in April: a four-week extension of housing benefit to smooth the transition into work; a "holiday" from national insurance contributions for employers taking on those who have been unemployed for more than two years; and an increase in the childcare disregard in family credit and disability working allowance from £40 to £60 per week.
From October, the back-to-work bonus will provide a lump sum payment for those leaving job seekers allowance or income support who have worked part-time and we will be piloting the earnings top-up scheme to help those without dependent children.