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As previously reported by Unionsafety, Downing street have now confirmed that Cameron is considering options for making workers pay into flexible saving accounts to fund their own sick pay or unemployment benefits. In this websites news item entitled, The Americanisation Of The UK's Labour And Social Security Culture Continues, Unionsafety reported that Ian Duncan Smith, the work and pensions secretary, said in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph: We need to encourage people to save from day one but they need to know that they can get some of the money out when their circumstances change. This is not government policy but I am very keen to look at it, as a long-term way forward for the 21st century.” He appeared to be suggesting a move to the kind of unemployment insurance scheme seen in the US or products known as “fortune accounts”, which are used in Singapore. Asked about the idea of workers saving up for their sickness and unemployment benefits, Cameron’s official spokesperson confirmed he was prepared to consider such a model. “I think the PM shares the work and pensions secretary’s view that we should be doing more to encourage people to take personal responsibility for how they manage their affairs,” she said. “This isn’t government policy, it’s an idea that’s out there. It’s an idea that should be looked at. That’s where it’s at, at the moment.” The move is part of several aimed at shifting the benefits bill from government, including industrial injuries payments. Last week’s budget noted: “The government will also consider where employers and insurers should play a greater role in providing support for those who suffer from industrial injuries in the workplace. The government will report at the Spending Review.” The TUC said it feared this type of system could lead to workers finding it harder to claim no-fault compensation. Source: Unionsafety / TUC Risks See also: The Americanisation Of The UK's Labour And Social Security Culture Continues
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