Labour today calls for a compulsory jobs guarantee for Britain's 129,000 long-term unemployed adults.
However, Ed Balls, the Shadow Chancellor, makes clear that along with the carrot, there is a stick.
While there would be a job for every adult who was long-term unemployed, they would be obliged to take up the jobs or lose their benefits.
At present, there are 129,400 Britons over 25 who have been out of work for 24 months or more – a rise of 88% since the same month last year and a rise of 146% in the last two years, said Mr Balls.
He added: "Britain needs real welfare reform that is tough, fair and that works, not divisive, nasty and misleading smears from a failing Government."
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