WELFARE CLAIMANTS WHO are unwilling to take up education or training for new jobs will have their dole payments cut under new measures revealed by the minister for social protection Joan Burton.

Burton will become the first minister to impose benefit cuts on those who refuse to take up offers of work as she vowed to get Ireland back to work and cut down on workers who are paid cash-in-hand but still claim welfare, reports the Irish Mail on Sunday.

The minister has told the paper that if people out of work were not engaging in the process of seeking employment, they would lose some of their benefits.

She added that whilst is not looking to leave people “destitute” she has made a commitment to the International Monetary Fund that she will cut the current unemployment rate of 14.7 per cent.

Poll: Is it right to cut benefits for those who refuse work or training?

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Dole claimants who refuse offers of work will have payments cut

Read more from John Lee’s story in today’s Irish Mail on Sunday >

Poll: Is it right to cut benefits for those who refuse work or training?

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.