Jobcentre staff will able to withhold cash and force claimants to attend treatment programmes The unemployed will be forced to declare drug or heavy drinking habits when they apply for benefits and will have payments cut if they give misleading answers, under government proposals which were announced yesterday. Probation officers, prison staff and the police will also be asked to share with Jobcentres any information they have about individuals' habits so that those deemed to have problem habits can be identified and compelled to seek treatment if necessary. Those who conceal drug use, or refuse to co-operate with treatment, face benefit cuts. A leaked copy of the green paper to be published tomorrow by James Purnell, the Work and Pensions Secretary, suggests that the scheme could start with heroin and crack cocaine users...
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