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ECJ rules benefits can be denied to jobless migrants

The European Court of Justice has ruled benefits can be denied to jobless migrants if they have never held a job in that country.

Dubbed "benefits tourism", it has occurred in many EU countries for some time.

But today Germany won the right to refuse to pay a Romanian woman and her son benefits on that basis.

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IDS: Benefits tourism decision an 'excellent ruling'

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith. Credit: PA

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said the Government would work with administrations across Europe to assess the wider implications of the so-called 'benefits tourism' ruling by the European Court of Justice.

This is an excellent ruling - and supports our view that people coming to the UK who don't have sufficient resources to support themselves and would become a unreasonable burden should not be able access national welfare systems.

The fact Germany's decision was challenged in this way is yet more evidence that the EU needs a much clearer legal framework, clarifying the original Treaties, allowing member states to retain control over their own national welfare systems.

– Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith

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