Govt announces reform of unemployment payments

The Government has announced the introduction of new measures to crack down on the numbers of people who are long-term unemployed.

Under the new scheme, they will have to present themselves for an interview every month to prove that they're actively seeking work, in contrast to the two interviews a year they currently must attend.

The name for the State's payment will also be changed from 'Unemployment Benefit' to 'Jobseekers Allowance'.

The Minister for Social Welfare, Seamus Brennan, said the measures are intended to ensure that unemployed people actively seek work.