Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has issued a warning to long-term benefit claimants, stating that they should be actively looking for work if they are capable. He emphasised the importance of providing support for individuals seeking employment to decrease the number of benefit claimants. Starmer highlighted the need for a balance between requiring individuals to seek work and offering assistance to facilitate their transition into employment.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Starmer stated, “I think the basic proposition that you should look for work is right.” He acknowledged that there may be challenging cases but expressed the Government’s commitment to supporting more people in finding jobs. The Prime Minister emphasised the significance of helping individuals who have been on long-term sickness benefits to reintegrate into the workforce successfully.
According to the Office for National Statistics, around 2.8 million people are currently unemployed due to ill health, with 500,000 more than in 2019. A recent report by the BCG and NHS Confederation revealed that 85% of these individuals are categorised as long-term sick. The Office for Budget Responsibility projected a £30 billion increase in sickness and disability benefit costs over the next five years based on current trends.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting outlined plans for reforms aimed at enhancing patient treatment efficiency and promoting return-to-work initiatives to address waiting lists, unemployment, and economic inactivity. Streeting announced the deployment of specialist medical teams to hospitals in areas with high rates of individuals on sick leave to implement these reforms.
Streeting’s focus is on aligning health and economic objectives by leveraging NHS resources to assist individuals in recovering and re-entering the workforce swiftly. He stressed the importance of reducing the benefits bill, combating fraudulent claims, and ensuring that the healthcare system effectively supports individuals in need.
A joint report by the NHS Confederation and BCG highlighted an increase in long-term sickness and economic inactivity among specific age groups, notably 18 to 24-year-olds and 50 to 64-year-olds. The rising prevalence of multiple health conditions, primarily musculoskeletal and mental health issues, underscores the complex challenges faced by long-term sick individuals in finding employment.
The report recommended a holistic government approach to address the root causes of ill health, including socioeconomic factors such as living and working conditions. It underscored the necessity of broadening strategies beyond immediate clinical care to tackle economic inactivity resulting from long-term sickness comprehensively.
In conclusion, the Government’s call for long-term benefit claimants to actively seek work while receiving tailored support reflects a commitment to reducing dependency on welfare and facilitating the economic re-engagement of individuals facing health challenges. By prioritising healthcare reforms and employment initiatives, policymakers aim to create a healthier, more economically active population in the UK.