WIREDGOV

Citizens Advice responds to the Prime Minister’s announcement that  EU migrants will lose unemployment benefits after six months if they haven’t found a job.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive at national charity Citizens Advice said:

"The welfare safety net exists for a good reason - to help people in desperate situations get back onto their feet.  Citizens Advice Bureaux work tirelessly to make sure that people who are eligible for benefits get the support they need.  It's important that the welfare system is fair, but politicians must be careful not to encourage myths or misconceptions about who benefits most from the welfare system.

"EU migrants are more likely to be in work and less likely to claim benefits than British residents.  Overall, they are net contributors to the economy, putting in much more than they take out. These plain facts must not be obscured by political rhetoric."

Notes to editors

1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales see www.citizensadvice.org.uk
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality. For online advice and information see www.adviceguide.org.uk  
3. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.9 million problems from April 2011 to March 2012. For full 2011/2012 service statistics see: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/press_statistics
4. Out of 22 national charities, the Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being the most helpful, approachable, professional, informative, effective / cost effective, reputable and accountable (nfpSynergy’s Brand Attributes survey, May 2010).
5. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at around 3,500 service outlets across England and Wales.