Migrants who fail to find work due to their poor English language skills will be forced to learn English or face a loss of benefits, ministers have declared. Ministers claim that the move will better prepare migrants for jobs. Under new rules, Jobcentre Plus advisers can order job seekers to enrol on training courses if they believe that they lack the skills required to acquire jobs in the local labour market. Benefits claimants whose poor English skills are preventing them from acquiring jobs will be expected to attend specialist English language education free of charge. Claimants who refuse to attend classes may lose their benefits.
Those who attend English language classes will benefit from a Universal Credit, which will be paid into their bank accounts monthly, as opposed to the current fortnightly payments. The plans will contribute to the coalition’s plans to cut £5.5 billion from the welfare bill over four years. The centrepiece of the new legislation involves the introduction of a new universal credit to replace the currently complex range of welfare payments. The legislation imposes stringent rules on those who refuse to find employment and a new personal independence payment will replace disability living allowance.
Components of the new package have sparked considerable opposition from anti-poverty experts, disability groups, and Childcare campaigners who claim that vulnerable people will be amongst the hardest hit.
Duncan Lewis’ Immigration solicitors are able to assist and advise clients on the visa application process. The team of Immigration solicitors monitor the progress and manage the conduct of visa applications. The Immigration team specialise in dealing with appeals where a visa has been refused.