Overview

• Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary, stated that some sickness and disability benefit claimants are 'taking the mickey' and reforms are needed to address rising costs.
• The UK government is facing a £65 billion annual expense on incapacity and disability benefits, surpassing defense spending, with costs projected to grow by £20 billion over the next five years.
• Kendall emphasized the importance of reducing NHS waiting lists and improving job center support to help claimants re-enter the workforce.
• She expressed concern about young people's attitudes toward work, particularly those from the 'Covid generation,' suggesting some view typical job responsibilities as overly stressful.
• A green paper is expected in the spring, proposing measures to overhaul job centers and provide targeted support to encourage employment among benefit claimants.