The Australian Council of Social Service has welcomed the Senate's rejection of radical social security budget measures.

The changes proposed by the Federal Government would have forced job-seekers to look for twice as many jobs per week as they had before; a move businesses said would inundate them with unnecessary CV’s and ultimately slow the process for all involved.

But it appears that strong opposition has prompted a re-think, and the 40 jobs idea has been scrapped.

“We are pleased that the Government has listened to the concerns expressed by ACOSS, the business community and many others about the ill-conceived proposal to force jobseekers to apply for 40 jobs a month,” Australian Council of Social ServiceCEO Dr Cassandra Goldie says.

“At a time when there is only one job available for every five people looking for work, this would have been counter-productive and demoralising for jobseekers and an unhelpful burden on employers.”

ACOSS says it is also pleased that the Government has abandoned its proposal to shift compliance functions from Centrelink to employment services, but says the Abbott Government’s plans for further reform are still causing concern.

“We remain very concerned that the major plank in the Government's employment policy is compulsory work for the dole, despite the evidence that it fails to achieve sustained employment outcomes,” Dr Goldie said.

“We now urge the Government to listen to the community's deep concerns about its proposal to deprive young people under 30 years from income for six months of every year.

“Despite the strong community opposition, this proposal still remains in the bills reintroduced into federal parliament last week.”