Blair reforms Welfare in favour of lone parents, disabled

Tony Blair has signalled further reforms to the Welfare State including a drive to help more lone parents and disabled people find work.

The Prime Minister says he wants to move the country closer to full employment and the eradication of child poverty.

He also says people have responsibilities to accept new opportunities to work under a "contract" between the citizen and society.Mr Blair has confirmed that new style Jobcentre Plus offices, which combine Jobcentres and benefit offices, are to be opened across the whole country.

He visited one of the new offices in Streatham, south London, and met lone parents and staff, praising the open plan layout of the centre.

Mr Blair announced that 50 more Jobcentre Plus offices will be opened by next March at locations including Coventry, Manchester and Taunton and a further 225 to be opened by next Spring.