New plans to help people back into work

The government has set aside £240m to help disabled people and those with long-term illnesses return to work.

Labour’s plan to ‘get Britain working’ comes as recent figures show more people are out of work (or not looking for work) in the UK now compared to before the pandemic.

Currently, 2.8 million people are out of work because of long-term health problems.

Not too much has been revealed about Labour’s plans yet, though they’ve said unlocking barriers to work and tackling inactivity is at the heart of their plans.

A white paper is expected to provide more details later this autumn, but here’s what we know so far.

How does Labour plan to ‘get Britain working’?

• local ‘trailblazer’ initiatives to combine work, health, and skills support for disabled individuals and the long-term sick
• reaching people who usually don’t access support services – and connect them with skills, education and health resources
• linking job support with health services
• working with mayors so local services meet residents’ needs

Benefit changes

Benefit reforms will also speed up this year.

About 800,000 people currently on employment and support allowance (ESA) will move to universal credit (UC) starting this autumn, instead of waiting until 2028.

The government says this means claimants will be supported to look for work.

Watch this space

We’ll update you on any developments to the government’s plans as they’re announced.