Labour’s Liz Kendall has described the increasing number of people not working as ‘unacceptable’.
- Rising youth unemployment and long-term sickness leave millions jobless in the UK.
- Labour proposes a national jobs and careers service to tackle unemployment.
- Conservatives warn about the significant financial impact on taxpayers.
- Labour unveils measures to address economic inactivity and upskill the unemployed.
Labour’s Liz Kendall has highlighted the growing issue of worklessness in the UK. With an increasing number of individuals out of work due to youth unemployment and long-term sickness, Kendall has labelled the situation as “unacceptable.”
In response, Labour is proposing the introduction of a national jobs and careers service. This new service aims to address the alarming rates of youth unemployment and assist those unable to work due to long-term health issues. Kendall emphasised the importance of this initiative on her first ministerial tour, detailing a localised strategy to upskill unemployed individuals and tackle the root causes of joblessness.
The Conservative party has voiced strong opposition to these proposals. A spokesperson warned that the suggested reforms could result in a hefty financial burden on taxpayers, estimating an increase of over £20 billion per year in the working-age welfare bill by the end of the decade. Despite this, Labour insists that merging the National Careers Service with Jobcentre Plus will streamline efforts to get more people into work and secure better-paying jobs.
Kendall’s plan includes new work, health, and skills initiatives aimed specifically at “economically inactive” individuals. Local mayors and councils are to lead these efforts, which will focus on reducing economic inactivity through targeted interventions. The proposed “youth guarantee” seeks to ensure that every individual aged 18-21 has access to training, apprenticeships, or support in finding employment, thereby preventing early exclusion from the workforce.
The extent of the problem is stark. According to the Office for National Statistics, nearly 11 million working-age people in the UK are currently without jobs. This includes approximately 1.5 million who are actively seeking work, while the rest are classified as economically inactive, often due to early retirements, health-related issues, or childcare affordability challenges.
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has endorsed the government’s proactive measures. Kate Shoesmith, REC’s deputy chief executive, remarked, “The rewards are tantalising for the government if it can harness the personal choices individuals make in needing and wanting flexible work opportunities.” Disability equality charity Scope also welcomed Labour’s plan but stressed the necessity of reassuring disabled individuals that they will not be forced into unsuitable jobs or lose vital financial support.
In May, Labour criticised former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his comments suggesting that claiming benefits had become a “lifestyle choice” and his pledge to tackle a culture of “sick notes.” Recently, Conservatives accused Labour of failing to adopt cost-saving measures within the welfare system before the next parliamentary term.
Labour’s proposals to address rising worklessness face significant debate, balancing innovative solutions against economic concerns.
