WORKING for the dole will become compulsory for almost every jobseeker and the unemployed will be forced to look for a job almost daily under a hardline welfare crackdown.

Tens of thousands of jobseekers will wake to the news that to keep living off the taxpayer they will have to participate in Work for the Dole programs.

The Abbott Government will tomorrow announce that from July next year, Work for the Dole will apply to most jobseekers throughout Australia and even include those aged up to 50 years.

The revamp is even tougher than the Government’s initial Work for the Dole scheme that started this month at just 18 locations for adults aged up to 30.

They have to Work for the Dole for only 12-15 hours a week for six months. Soon, that will increase to 25 hours a week for most young jobseekers.

Some baby boomers will also be netted in the crackdown. Those aged 50-60 years will have to undertake an approved activity – part-time work, training, Work for the Dole or voluntary work – for 15 hours a week for 26 weeks every 12 months.

Co-ordinators will direct the unemployed to a range of jobs, including councils and not-for-profit groups.

The news will infuriate some welfare groups, which say Work for the Dole is unfair and hurts disadvantaged jobseekers. But the Government is worried too many jobseekers, especially young welfare recipients, have too few skills or no social understanding of what is needed to hold a job.

It is also determined to ensure dole recipients do more for taxpayers and themselves.

Welfare recipients will also have to apply for almost double the number of jobs they do now to meet their ­eligibility requirements.

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The Government expects up to 150,000 jobseekers will join Work for the Dole each year once the model is fully implemented.

On Friday, The Courier-Mail revealed some dole bludgers chose to make themselves unemployable, saying they missed job interviews because they slept in and turned down opportunities because the work didn’t pay enough.

Assistant Employment Minister Luke Hartsuyker said the reforms would help skilled jobseekers.

“The new rules and arrangements will ensure that jobseekers remain active and engaged while looking for work,’’ Mr Hartsuyker said.

“Work for the Dole provides jobseekers with the opportunity to learn new skills and to demonstrate to future employers that they are keen and willing to work.”