Conservatives missing the point on welfare reform

9.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 8th Jan 2008

Controversial proposals to remove benefits for three years from people who refuse their third offer of a job are to be announced by the Conservatives tomorrow. Under the "three strikes and you're out" policy, there will be escalating penalties for people who refuse to accept "reasonable" job offers.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson Danny Alexander said "Once again, the Tories have missed the point about welfare reform. Millions of sick and disabled people want to work, but the Government has failed to provide the tailored support they need to find a job. The only sustainable way to reduce incapacity benefit is to get people into work. Liberal Democrat plans to simplify the benefits system and invest in voluntary and private back to work support are the best way to do that."