Brown warning to workshy

Gordon Brown will today warn the unemployed they face further cuts in their benefits if they refuse to accept offers of work.

The Chancellor's assault on the workshy will form part of a package of welfare reforms in this autumn's pre-Budget statement.

The move is certain to cause alarm among some Labour MPs and trade unionists.

To qualify for full benefit, many claimants already have to show they are willing to work, and give good reasons for turning down any job offers. Ministers fear that with unemployment at its lowest level in 27 years, it is becoming increasingly difficult to persuade the remaining jobless to accept work.

Mr Brown, who is planning the reforms with Work and Pensions Secretary Andrew Smith, will sweeten the pill by offering more support for genuine job hunters.