I have just appeared on the James Whale Drivetime Show on LBC radio to discuss the government’s work programme. There was a caller on the show before me; he revealed he was a store manager for a clothing chainstore and that previously he was sceptical about the scheme. However, from experience he now see the benefit for both his company and those placed on the scheme. From his point of view it has been an
Business bashing is a popular pastime for many, who see business as the reason for all that is wrong in our society. The latest target for activists and some elements of the media are those companies that are providing work placements for the unemployed. This Government scheme, is particularly aimed at younger people to give them the experience (and responsibility) of life in the workplace. I am amazed that the critics lambast it as being
I couldn’t miss the opportunity of getting behind the controls of a JCB to cut the first sod as construction work starts for the building of the Nexus Centre in the Beacon Park. This £700,000 engineering skills centre, for 14-19 year olds, is a major project for East Consortium a group of local schools and colleges in the Great Yarmouth area. Boosted by government funding for vocational education the centre will provide training and apprenticeship
This week the economic news is focussed on the disappointing growth figures for the last quarter of 2011. This triggered a flurry of expert and some not-so-expert advice for the Chancellor of the Exchequer to consider. Some advocate quick fixes that will grab the newspaper headlines but not necessarily make in long-term difference to our economy. Today, leading political website, Conservative Home, has published my article outlining why economic growth is about more than what
A great story appeared on the Great Yarmouth Mercury website over the weekend about Michael Beck from Ormesby. Despite the challenge of epilepsy and memory loss he is determined to find a new job so he isn’t reliant on benefits. Read the story here. The layabout wasters who sometimes take the benefit system for a ride and have no excuse not to work or assist the local community should take a leaf out of Michael’s
The successful, Great Yarmouth based, company Seajacks, received a mention from me in the House of Commons this week. They look set to become the first company, anywhere in the country, to move in to an enterprise zone. This shows that Great Yarmouth is leading the way with this new initiative to boost local economic growth and create new jobs. Thursday 24th November – Future House of Commons Business Brandon Lewis: Through the all-party parliamentary
New community service scheme for long-term unemployed
This week we have witnessed another example of the overpowering directives fed down from Brussels bureaucrats and are left facing the wrath of the European Commission if we do not water down legislation. The Department for Work and Pensions is working tirelessly on the Welfare Reform Bill to build a new system that is based on a fairer deal for claimants and the taxpayer. The Coalition Government recognises the need for an updated system that
Anyone who follows my work in Parliament will know that since the General Election, I have regularly raised the issue of youth employment and training opportunities. It is heartening, that since taking office, the level of youth unemployment has fallen. We need to do a lot more to make sure our young people are equipped for the modern job market and have every opportunity to gain employment. Government backed schemes such as the Work Programme
Research has recently come to light revealing that money intended to support vulnerable disabled people is instead being spent on drug addicts. The Government is currently awarding parts of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to nearly 19,000 people with drugs and alcohol addictions. The mobility section of the DLA is intended to help those who struggle to walk, but as the system is currently paper based, huge numbers of people are claiming £50 pound a
Brandon Lewis