Jobcentre busy-bodies could soon have the power to force people in treatment for drug or alcohol problems to take up full time ‘work related activity’ if they are unable to beat their addictions quickly enough, writes Johnny Void.

The DWP has published guidance on the support (stop laughing) that will be offered to people claiming Universal Credit who have a dependency on drugs or alcohol.  Claimants will be given six months to undergo what the Jobcentre calls ‘structured treatment’ during which period they may not be required to look or prepare for work.  After this has elapsed however it will be a very diferent story.

This truly chilling move means that the newly named ‘work coaches’ will be able to demand someone attends workfare raher than continue with treatment for their condition.

Read the rest of the story on The Void but consider this: Many people express anger at the thought that – for example – alcoholics receive extra benefit money, in the words of one person in my town, “to help them drink themselves to death” – and off the benefit books. In that kind of atmosphere, this could be seen as a positive move.

But is it?

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