Commenting on the government’s ‘back to work’ budget plans published today (Sunday), TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“Some of these changes are long overdue, such as greater childcare support in universal credit. And scrapping the work capability assessment will be welcome if it means an end to assessments that cause anxiety instead of helping people achieve their aspirations.

“But proposals to increase to ramp up the use of sanctions are worrying. And we need more comprehensive changes, such as fully-funded universal childcare provision.

“Our public services need investment too, so that people are not kept out of work because they are on a long waiting list for NHS treatment, or because they cannot access the training they need.”