[danielf]

I'm in two minds about this. I don't think anyone should be forced to work for less than the minimum wage, if only to avoid taking proper jobs out of the economy and shifting them onto a second-rate tier of work. I'd be happier if people on this scheme would receive minimum wage (which would be subtracted from whatever benefits they receive and any surplus being paid out).

On the other hand, it seems this would not be a blanket measure, but rather temporary placements targeted at people who appear to be cheating the system. If used sparingly, I can see good sides to this. Minimum wage would still be a good thing though, and I'm rather skeptical about the potential for mission creep.