Labour's Welfare Reforms Face Backlash Over Rising Costs and Workforce Decline

Updated impact assessments reveal 400,000 more incapacity benefit claimants by 2030 and 16,000 fewer workers, intensifying criticism of Labour's welfare policies.

Labour's welfare reforms are projected to increase incapacity benefit claimants to 3 million by 2030, 400,000 more than under previous Conservative plans.
The Budget Responsibility estimates the reforms will result in 16,000 fewer people in the workforce by 2030, raising concerns about their effectiveness.
Cuts to the top rate of incapacity benefits for new claimants and a £1 billion employment support program are central to Labour's welfare overhaul.
The High Court previously struck down Conservative welfare proposals for failing to disclose cost-saving motives, leaving Labour to address the system's challenges.
Critics argue the reforms risk harming vulnerable populations and increasing fiscal strain, while Labour defends them as necessary for sustainability.