Lord Rose of Asda emphasises the urgent need for benefits system reform to address UK’s worklessness crisis.
- A significant rise in long-term sickness has led to 2.8 million people being economically inactive in the UK.
- The balance between supporting the needy and encouraging contribution from the capable must be established.
- The Asda chair suggests that fostering a skilled workforce is crucial for the future.
- Addressing the labour market issues could take up to two decades, according to Lord Rose.
Lord Rose of Asda has made a compelling call for the government to undertake reforms of the benefits system as a means of resolving the worklessness crisis currently facing the United Kingdom. Referencing data from the Office for National Statistics, he highlighted a troubling increase in the number of individuals unable to work due to long-term sickness, which has surged from 2.2 million prior to the pandemic to a current total of 2.8 million. This rise has compounded the challenge of economic inactivity, demanding immediate and strategic intervention.
In his discussion with The Telegraph, Lord Rose stressed the importance of boosting productivity by addressing this issue directly. He underscored the necessity of maintaining a balanced benefits system, advocating for support to be extended to those in genuine need while simultaneously encouraging those who have the potential to contribute more actively to the workforce.
Lord Rose expressed concern over the increasing societal inclination towards dependency on state support, remarking, “We can’t just become a state now where people just live on handouts.” He also shared a personal anecdote to counter potential criticism of his privileged background, revealing that he was born and raised in modest circumstances and continues to work actively at the age of 75.
The conversation also touched on the broader implications for the labour market, with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds echoing concerns about post-pandemic economic inactivity. Despite acknowledging the daunting timeline, Lord Rose conveyed optimism about the role of education in equipping future generations with essential skills. He asserted that the workplace should be viewed as a venue for learning new skills and achieving self-esteem.
In conclusion, the Asda chair projected that remedying the labour market’s challenges would require a concerted effort spanning one to two decades, advocating for an educational shift to support this long-term goal.
This call for reform highlights the need for a carefully balanced approach to benefits, encouraging both support and workforce contribution.
