Keir Starmer claims Britain isn't working amid jobs crisis
- Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the need for better job retention for the long-term sick.
- The government plans to revamp job centres and deploy more NHS staff to combat unemployment.
- There are concerns over whether these efforts will effectively address the rising costs of health issues.
In late November 2024, Sir Keir Starmer articulated concerns regarding the efficiency of the job market in Britain as he outlined a plan to tackle rising unemployment and long-term sickness. The prime minister plans to implement significant changes to job centres, focusing particularly on young individuals to improve employment opportunities. As part of this strategy, additional NHS personnel will be dispatched to regions experiencing the highest levels of worklessness. However, there are ongoing criticisms about the effectiveness of these proposals, especially as delays in reforming the benefits system have raised concerns about addressing the escalating costs associated with ill health in the workforce. These reforms come at a critical time when the nation faces challenges related to health crises and job retention.