...as MP says drivers forced to take £4
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III Jobcentres do not force unemployed truck drivers to work for poverty wages, says the Department of Employment, but it admits that their benefits will be cut if they turn down jobs at the "local rate".
The claim follows criticism by Southampton MP John Denham who says jobless drivers in Southampton are being
told that their benefits will bc cut if they do not accept jobs at
£4 per hour the rate Southampton Jobcentre claims is the local norm.
The DOE denies reports that Southampton Jobcentre cuts claimants' benefits if they refuse to accept drivers' jobs at that rate or less. But she admits the Government expects drivers
who have been jobless for more than 13 weeks to accept any "reasonable job offer". They could then have their benefits cut if they refuse.
But Southampton TGWU district officer Jennie Sandle claims drivers rates in the city are already higher than L‘t and climbing fast because of a shortage of drivers.