MEP Marlene Mizzi said that the labour laws should be adjusted so that people cannot remain on social benefits.

She made this statement in reference to people registered with Jobs Plus who turn down a job they have been offered and continue to receive other social benefits. Her post on Facebook attracted a number of comments agreeing with her statement.

One such comment noted that when people reject a job that has been offered, they are automatically removed from the unemployment list, resulting in them no longer receiving unemployment benefit. Mizzi’s reply to this was that there are people who are receiving other social benefits, due to other circumstances, which they continue to receive, even if they have been struck off the list.

When asked to which situation, and to what other social benefits she was referring, Mizzi said that people who are able-bodied, have no reason for remaining unemployed and are benefitting from social benefits should be identified. She confirmed that she was not referring to people who are registered with Jobs Plus.

She said that social benefits are important to those who, for good and valid reason do not have the possibility of an income – namely, a job. Furthermore, social benefits should not be received by those who are abusing the system.

Frivolous reasons should not be entertained, said Mizzi, referring to people who refuse a job that is within their competence and qualifications and at the right salary. She said that the reasons for declining such offers should be noted and recorded, giving the example of someone coming up with the excuse of living too far away from the workplace – such as Qormi to Valletta – and preferring to stay at home and living off other social benefits.

However, when questioned about to which circumstances and other social benefits she was alluding, Mizzi did not reply, saying she would elaborate on the topic in the future. The same applied to questions regarding how she would propose to resolve this situation and how genuine cases should be separated from those abusing the system.

Upon investigation, it transpires that an unemployed person who refuses a job offer without reasonable grounds is removed from the unemployment register and does not continue to receive unemployment assistance benefits. However, in the event that an unemployed person has sufficient grounds – which are determined by a special board – they can be granted social assistance benefit, also known as ‘relief’, which is largely similar in amount to the unemployment assistance benefit.

In the case of those who do not have such sufficient grounds for refusing employment, if they are the head of household, their spouse would be eligible for social assistance benefits which are calculated according to the number of people in the household.

Children’s allowance is paid in any event and any other benefits – such as medical benefits – are based on whether the person’s condition is on the designated schedule which lists specific and chronic conditions that are eligible for medical assistance.

Mizzi believes that, in the current situation of full employment, all able-bodied people can easily find work. While she agrees that this is positive, and indicative of a vibrant economy, the downside is that it is creating a problem for employers, especially small and micro enterprises. These employers are not finding enough staff which, in turn, is having a negative effect on their business. Businesses and entrepreneurs should be safeguarded against this abuse.

Social benefits are very important to those who need them but abuse – and those cheating the system – must be identified in order to avoid burdening the taxpayers and those who work for a living, Mizzi emphasised.