Young People to Lose Benefits if They Refuse Work and Training, Says Minister

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has unveiled the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation with the publication of the Get Britain Working White Paper. This initiative marks the Government’s first major intervention to achieve an ambitious 80% employment rate.

Key points from the White Paper include:

✅£240 million investment to transform job center's across Great Britain.

✅Every young person will have access to an apprenticeship, quality training, and education opportunities.

✅Expansion of mental health support and extra capacity to reduce waiting lists in areas with the highest levels of inactivity.

The measures aim to address stark figures showing almost 1.5 million people unemployed, over 9 million inactive, and a record 2.8 million out of work due to long-term sickness. One in eight young people are not in education, employment, or training, and 9 million adults lack essential skills for work.

The UK is the only major economy that has seen its employment rate fall over the last five years, driven by a rise in long-term ill health. The outdated employment support system has been ill-equipped to respond to this challenge.

The White Paper outlines a fundamentally different approach, targeting the root causes of unemployment and inactivity, and better integrating health, skills, and employment support based on local community needs. This includes:

✅Fixing the NHS by deploying extra staff to cut waiting lists and expanding access to mental health support.

✅Transforming the Job Centre system into a new national jobs and careers service focused on skills and careers.

✅Empowering mayors and councils to join up local work, health, and skills support.

The government is also delivering a new Youth Guarantee, ensuring every young person has access to education or training to help them find a job. The Apprenticeship Levy in England will be transformed into a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy, backed by £40 million to expand opportunities for young people.

An independent review will be launched to support employers in hiring and retaining people with disabilities and health conditions, ensuring more people can benefit from dignity, purpose, and financial independence.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the need to tackle the biggest drivers of unemployment and inactivity, giving young people their future back through meaningful change. He highlighted the overhaul of jobcentres, the provision of skills and opportunities for young people, and the fixing of the NHS to support people back into work.

Liz Kendall stated, "To get Britain growing, we need to get Britain working again. Our reforms will break down barriers to opportunity, help people get into work and progress in their careers, and give our children and young people the best opportunities to succeed."

These reforms aim to end the culture of blaming and shaming those who haven't received the support they need, helping people into decent, well-paid jobs, and improving living standards across the country. The construction industry should welcome these measures, as they address the critical shortage of skilled workers. Private companies are encouraged to get more involved by offering fair financial opportunities to the younger generation, as the industry desperately needs their talent and energy.