WIREDGOV

Commenting on the latest figures on workless households, published yesterday (Thursday) by the Office for National Statistics, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'These figures make clear that high concentrations of workless households are not due to a so-called 'benefits culture' but because of mass unemployment caused by the collapse of major industries.

'It is a lack of jobs that puts people on benefits, not the other way round.

'Ministers must avoid the easy option of demonising people on benefits. This attitude will not help a single person back into work.

'Instead we need an industrial strategy and proper investment to create jobs and give hope to the UK's marginalised communities.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The ONS figures are available at http://bit.ly/Smsgf8

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @tucnews

- Congress 2012 will be held at the Brighton Centre from Sunday 9 September to Wednesday 12 September 2012. The deadline for free media passes was noon on Wednesday 29 August. Credentials can still be applied for by completing the online form www.tuc.org.uk/mediacredentials but will now cost £50.

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Alex Rossiter T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07887 572130 E: arossiter@tuc.org.uk