The shadow work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall has said that there will be ‘no option of a life on benefits’ under a Labour government for young people who are not in work
At a speech at the Think Tank Demos Kendall told the audience that she the Tories aren’t being tough enough on benefit claimants, specifically mentioning those with health conditions.
“For all the Tory claims about being tough on benefits, over the next five years there will be 600,000 more people on sickness and disability benefits” she said
adding that while official unemployment rate is low, this isn’t because there’s a record high in the number of people in work.
“We are the only country in the G7 whose employment rate hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels.”
“The reality is, increasing numbers of people are leaving the labour market and no longer even looking for work. This Parliament has seen the highest increase in economic inactivity for 40 years.”
She said that Labour would invest in careers and skills training but warned young people have a “responsibility” to take them up.
She added: “This is our commitment to young people. We value you. You are important. We will invest in you and help you build a better future with all the chances and choices this brings
