Jeremy Hunt has warned that benefit claimants who “choose to coast” face losing their benefits under the sweeping reforms.
The Prime Minister has vowed that able-bodied Britons who refuse to take up work will face economic sanctions, including being denied a taxpayer ride-along.
Hunt argues that there must be fairness to hard-working taxpayers and that anyone who avoids employment must face the consequences.
The tough new plans will be announced ahead of next Wednesday’s Autumn Statement as part of a massive return-to-work campaign, with a record 2.6 million people suffering from long-term illness.
Mr Hunt said: ‘We are serious about economic growth and that means we have to deal with an increase in the number of people who are not looking for work. That’s because they know there are job openings.” There are opportunities in the market.
“These changes mean there is help and support for everyone, but there will also be consequences for those who reject it. Those who choose to pander to the hard work of taxpayers will You will lose that benefit.”
Sanctions result in the most egregious claimants losing some of their profits.
New rules are being drawn up as part of the Autumn Statement, with free prescriptions and legal aid for those who fail to show up for job appointments or interviews to be cut off as part of the crackdown.
As part of the enhanced system, digital technology will be used* to track applicants’ attendance at job fairs and interviews.
As part of the enhanced regime, digital technology will be used to track applicants’ attendance at job fairs and interviews.
The Chancellor said the changes were the biggest welfare reform since the introduction of Universal Credit in 2012.
The reforms also mean that claimants should not be given full benefits and an 18-month leave period if they have not taken all reasonable steps to comply with the Jobcentre’s requirements.
In an interview with The Sun newspaper, the Prime Minister said the changes meant a new “social contract” between hard workers and the unemployed.
He said the system needed to be “rebalanced” so taxpayers could fund benefits in return for something.
The changes, which will come into effect from next year, are part of an overall £2.5bn plan aimed at helping more than one million people find and stay in work.
This includes support for people with long-term health conditions who are able to work from home. According to statistics, 20% of people with long-term illness or disability want to work.
Welfare Secretary Mel Stride said: ‘We are rolling out the next generation of welfare reform to help more people get into work, stay in work and succeed. We know that it can have a positive impact on your health and well-being.
“That’s why we are expanding voluntary support for people with health conditions and disabilities, including our flagship Universal Support Programme.
“But our message is clear: If you are healthy, if you refuse to work, if you are carrying taxpayers, we will strip you of your benefits. ”