Some on benefits are 'taking the mickey', says minister

UK Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has stated that some benefit claimants are "gaming the system," and the government is currently seeking ways to control welfare spending. Kendall's remarks reflect the government's concerns about problems within the welfare system and hint at possible measures to tighten benefit distribution, aiming for a more efficient allocation of resources.

In an interview with ITV, Kendall mentioned a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) survey indicating that approximately 200,000 benefit claimants would be willing to work if given appropriate support. The survey also found that 49% of health and disability benefit claimants believe they will never be able to work again. However, the survey also revealed that nearly half (44%) of those with mental health issues expect to be able to work in the future if their health improves, suggesting a potential for workforce reintegration.

Kendall told ITV: "I think today's survey shows that despite various misconceptions, many people currently receiving sickness or disability benefits are eager to work." When asked if some people were "pretending to be unable to work" to fraudulently claim benefits, she added: "Many of them have either just lost jobs that they miss very much or really want to return to work once they have their health under control," highlighting the diverse situations of benefit recipients.

Kendall also pointed out: "I think there are more people who want to work. There is no doubt that there have always been people who shouldn't be receiving these benefits who are gaming the system, and that is unacceptable—we must put an end to it." The government stated that the number of 16 to 34-year-olds not working due to long-term illnesses and mental health issues has reached 270,000. According to DWP data, this figure increased by 60,000 (26%) last year, raising concerns about the growing number of economically inactive young people.

As of January, 9.3 million people aged 16 to 64 in the UK were out of work—an increase of 713,000 since the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, government spending on sickness benefits amounted to £65 billion, an increase of 25% compared to the year before the pandemic. This figure is projected to increase to approximately £100 billion before the next general election. Kendall stated that the DWP's survey of 3,401 benefit claimants indicates the need to reform the current welfare system and encourage young people to work whenever possible, ensuring the system's sustainability.

Kendall mentioned that supermarket managers told her that some young people do not understand that work is "just the essence of life, not stress." She added: "We cannot have a situation where just working a day itself is seen as stressful." Kendall is expected to submit a policy paper on welfare reform next month. As the UK faces significant economic challenges, the government is concerned about the surge in benefit claims since the pandemic and the resulting burden on taxpayers, prompting a comprehensive review of the welfare system.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer stated that people receiving long-term sickness benefits should return to work "where they are able to." He told the BBC last year: "The basic principle that you should be looking for work is the right one. People need to be looking for work, but they also need support. That's why I've been out looking at some of the schemes that businesses have to support people with long-term illnesses back into work," emphasizing the importance of both opportunity and assistance in facilitating workforce participation.