27 February 2004
European Commission experts believe there is a 'strong chance' that the government's tough stance on immigrants from new European Union member states will be challenged in the courts.
A spokeswoman for the commission's employment and social affairs office said, that as far as Europe's executive is concerned: 'The principle of non-discrimination [for benefit purposes] between nationals of old and new member states applies from May 1.'
That news, although half-expected, will alert Home Secretary David Blunkett, who this week unveiled tough new benefit rules for claimants from most EU accession states from May.
Blunkett opened the UK's doors to workers from eight former Iron Curtain countries, such as Poland and Hungary, but has banned them from claiming any state benefits until they have been working for a year. The restrictions do not apply to Cyprus and Malta, another two of the accession states.
The move comes amid fears that Britain's benefit system could attract 'benefit tourist' immigrants.<
PFfeb2004
