What's happened
Labour's Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has announced plans to shift the Department for Work and Pensions' focus from welfare to work. In a speech in Barnsley, Kendall criticized the previous Conservative government's approach and outlined measures to address economic inactivity, including merging Jobcentre Plus with the National Careers Service and introducing a youth guarantee for training. Former health secretary Alan Milburn also called for reforms to get long-term sick individuals back to work. The Labour government aims to boost economic growth by increasing the employment rate to 80%.
Why it matters
This event is significant as it marks a major policy shift by the Labour government to address economic inactivity and boost employment. With nearly 11 million working-age individuals currently without jobs, the proposed measures aim to tackle the root causes of unemployment, such as health, skills, childcare, and transport. The impact of these changes could be substantial, potentially improving household incomes, reducing welfare costs, and contributing to overall economic growth. For readers, this could mean better access to job opportunities and support services, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Alan Milburn has called for fundamental reforms to get long-term sick individuals back to work, describing the current system as 'crazy.' The Mirror highlights Liz Kendall's criticism of the previous government's 'divisive rhetoric' and her pledge to focus on upfront help and support. BBC News reports on Kendall's plans to merge Jobcentre Plus with the National Careers Service and her goal to achieve an 80% employment rate. The Telegraph provides context on the challenges faced by the Labour government, noting the high levels of economic inactivity and the need for more people to enter the workforce.
How we got here
The Labour government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, has inherited significant economic challenges, including high levels of economic inactivity and a substantial public spending deficit. The previous Conservative government focused heavily on implementing Universal Credit and tightening benefits rules, which critics argue neglected broader issues such as health, childcare, and transport. With nearly 11 million working-age individuals currently without jobs, the Labour government aims to address these root causes and boost economic growth by increasing the employment rate to 80%. Liz Kendall, the new Work and Pensions Secretary, has outlined several measures to achieve this goal, including merging Jobcentre Plus with the National Careers Service and introducing a youth guarantee for training.
Common question
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Kendall was educated at Queens' College, Cambridge where she read history.
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