Two-thirds of jobless people would rather lose their benefits than work, government figures have shown.

According to a report in The Daily Telegraph today [20 November], the Department for Work and Pensions said 6,000 people were stripped of benefits after refusing to take part in a work scheme and tried to carry on claiming welfare.

Under the rules, unemployed people judged to lack the personal skills required to find and keep a job must do work placements in exchange for benefits. Anyone referred to the scheme who does not complete a work placement is liable to have benefits stopped.

Although critics say the scheme amounts to forced labour, ministers say it helps the jobless develop personal discipline and other habits required for employment. Between the start of the scheme in May last year and August this year, more than 90,000 claimants have been referred to the Mandatory Work Activity scheme by Jobcentre staff.

Of those, little more than 33,000 began work placements. Of the remaining 57,000, some found work, while others chose to stop claiming benefits.

Mark Hoban, the employment minister, says: “Some people will go to great lengths to avoid having to get a job. But sitting at home on benefits doing nothing is not an option for those who are fit and capable of work.