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The Department for Work and Pensions has announced a new perk for benefits claimants - but stressed it is "not a handout". The DWP says job advisers will be stationed in GP surgeries and hospitals as part of efforts to get the long-term sick back to work.

GPs will be encouraged to refer people for employment help alongside their treatment under plans to deal with the rising numbers on sickness benefits.

Labour Party ministers are promising that every area of England will be covered by the scheme from April. Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, said: “Writing off people with long-term health conditions or disabilities fails them and fails our economy.

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"We are giving people a hand up, not

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