UK Conservatives propose stricter welfare rules for jobless under-25s
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has proposed replacing the standard Universal Credit allowance for many unemployed people aged 18 to 24 with a conditional work allowance. Those who remained unemployed after six months would receive a lower subsistence payment, while people unable to work or with caring responsibilities would be exempt.
The UK Conservative Party has proposed restricting access to the standard Universal Credit allowance for many unemployed people under 25 as part of a welfare reform plan announced by leader Kemi Badenoch. Under the proposal, 18-to-24-year-olds who had not previously worked continuously for at least six months would have to join a Get to Work scheme. Participants would receive a new allowance tied to participation in measures intended to help them secure employment, an apprenticeship or qualifying education or training.
The scheme would last up to six months, although participants could leave earlier if they found a job or another qualifying opportunity. Those who remained out of work after six months would move to a Subsistence Allowance worth 70% of the current Universal Credit standard allowance. The Conservatives also propose placing the reduced payment on a Back to Work card that would prevent spending on alcohol, cigarettes and gambling.
Claimants would continue to face work-related conditions after moving to the lower allowance. The plans would not apply to people receiving disability benefits or young Universal Credit claimants who are not subject to work-related requirements because of health conditions or caring responsibilities. To avoid the new requirements, other young claimants would have to show that they had previously worked continuously for at least six months for a minimum of 16 hours a week.
Badenoch described the policy as a “tough love” approach, arguing that the welfare system should not leave people better off for not working. The Conservatives linked the proposal to the estimated one million young people not in employment, education or training. Labour had not responded in the supplied material.
A report by former minister Alan Milburn on young people outside work, education or training was expected before the budget, with ministers expected to consider its recommendations. The material said those proposals could include more conditions, though details were not available.
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