Fri, 07 Feb 2025

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 Some on benefits are 'taking the mickey', says minister

The work and pensions minister says the welfare system needs reforming to encourage young people to work if they can.
UK Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has stated that some individuals receiving benefits are "taking advantage" of the system, while a recent survey suggests that many others on sickness or disability benefits actually want to work with proper support. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) report found that nearly 44% of people with mental health conditions believe they can return to work in the future if their health improves. Kendall emphasized that the data shows that a significant number of benefit claimants are eager to get back into employment, but some individuals are exploiting the system. The government is concerned about the rising costs of sickness benefits, which have increased by 25% since the COVID-19 pandemic and now account for £65 billion annually. The DWP survey also revealed that nearly 270,000 young people aged 16 to 34 are not working due to long-term sickness and mental health conditions, up from 210,000 last year. Kendall has called for welfare reform to encourage young people to work if they can, citing the need to address the issue of "doing a day's work being seen as stressful". The Work and Pensions Secretary will present a policy paper on welfare reform next month, aiming to tackle the surge in benefit claims since the pandemic. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also emphasized the importance of finding ways to support individuals back into work while reducing costs for taxpayers.
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