Let Asylum Seekers Work - Huppert

4 October 2010, 06:10 | Updated: 4 October 2010, 06:15

The MP for Cambridge, Julian Huppert, believes asylum seekers held in the UK for more than six months should be allowed to work.

He has signed declarations by the "Jewish Council of Racial Equality" and "Still Human Still Here" calling in the government to change the employment rules affecting these people.

He said: "The asylum system has been left in chaos by the Labour government.

Only around 40 per cent of cases have been dealt with in six months compared with the Home Office’s target of 75 per cent.

Behind these figures there are families stuck in limbo with no way of supporting themselves.

This can affect their mental health and have wider implications for the community as a whole and the taxpayer picks up the cost.

By allowing these people to seek work they will not only be able to provide for their families but they will ease the burden on the taxpayer.

This makes complete common sense."