British Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt during the British Conservative Party annual conference in Manchester, England, October 2, 2023.REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool/File Photo Obtaining license rights
LONDON, Nov 16 (Reuters) – British Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt on Thursday announced incentives and sanctions aimed at tackling soaring levels of inactivity among the country’s working-age population, a worsening economic problem. Announced.
The “return to work” plan is touted as a way to help people “stay healthy and get off benefits and into work” and will be part of Mr Hunt’s autumn statement to be released next Wednesday. .
The plan was welcomed by business groups, but non-partisan think tank the Institute for Employment Research (IES) said Mr Hunt’s harsh comments about people “taking advantage of taxpayers’ hard work” were misplaced. .
The opposition Labor Party claimed the plan failed to address the root causes behind economic inactivity.
As of mid-2023, a record 2.6 million Britons are out of work due to a long-term illness. Economists say this reflects not only the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, but also high waiting times in increasingly strained health services.
The plan includes an investment of £2.5 billion ($3.1 billion) over the next five years, and will increase support to help people with physical or mental problems stay in work, with up to 110 We aim to help everyone.
But it also includes tougher benefits sanctions for local employment offices and “people who are able to work but refuse to do so.”
Mr Hunt is hoping to reassure many Tory MPs who are wary of Labor’s large lead in the polls, and plans to cut taxes in his budget update on November 22nd. is.
“These changes mean there is help and support for everyone. But there will also be consequences for those who refuse it. But you’re going to lose those benefits,” Hunt said of the “return to work” plan.
IES director Tony Wilson said he welcomed further investment in employment support but criticized Mr Hunt’s characterization of people as inert.
“This kind of language only alienates people, it alienates people who could benefit from support, it alienates employers, it alienates partners such as GPs and voluntary services,” Mr Wilson said. Stated.
Labor said Mr Hunt’s plans were “largely the same”.
Labour’s work and pensions spokeswoman Liz Kendall said: “The lame excuses in this proposal do nothing to fundamentally change the current state of our health services and job centers, which the Conservatives have been failing for 10 years.” said.
Industry group Employment Federation said it welcomed the plans.
($1 = 0.8050 pounds)
Report by Andy Bruce.Editing: Susan Fenton
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