Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

JMiks via Shutterstock

Poll: Should officials monitor jobseekers' online employment searches?

If someone is claiming benefits, should the government be allowed to monitor their online job searches on an official website?

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT is to make it compulsory for jobseekers to sign up to its new Universal Jobsmatch website in order to look for employment – and warns those who do not use the site’s services could lose their benefits.

Government officials will also be able to remotely monitor the activities of jobseekers on the website and determine whether they are genuinely making an effort to find work. While the tracking element is not compulsory – as EU law forbids the monitoring of people online without their consent – job advisers will be able to impose sanctions if they feel unemployed persons are not trying hard enough to find work.

No such scheme exists in Ireland, but we’d like to know what you think of the idea…

If someone is claiming benefits, should the government be allowed to monitor their online job searches on an official website?


Poll Results:

No (1344)
Yes (685)
I don't know (461)

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
63 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds