Labour's plan threatens benefits for unwilling young workers
- The Labour government proposes that young individuals out of work must seek job training or risk losing benefits.
- Alison McGovern stated that current rules allow benefits to be denied if applicants do not follow through on available opportunities.
- This initiative aims to meet the ambitious target of getting two million more people into work but faces criticism for delayed reforms.
In the United Kingdom, Labour's recent initiative aims to address unemployment among young people. Alison McGovern, the Employment Minister, disclosed that individuals aged 18 to 21 who are jobless and do not actively seek training or employment may lose their benefits. This strategy is part of a broader goal to reduce economic inactivity, which has surged to over nine million. Unemployment currently stands at approximately 1.5 million, with 2.8 million individuals unable to work due to long-term sickness. Despite the emphasis on new reforms, Labour has faced criticism for delaying necessary changes to the benefits system. The Department for Work and Pensions plans to introduce measures to reform health and disability benefits next spring and encourage employers to actively recruit individuals with disabilities.