Badenoch Unveils Plan to Bar Many Jobless Under-25s From Universal Credit

Conservatives propose compulsory “Get to Work” scheme with 30% benefit cut for those still unemployed after six months

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has announced a major welfare reform proposal that would stop many unemployed young people from claiming universal credit, the UK’s main unemployment benefit, as her party prepares for its annual conference this weekend.

Under the plan, all 18 to 24-year-olds who apply for universal credit and have not previously worked for a continuous period of six months would instead receive a new Get to Work Allowance. In return, they would be required to take part in a Get to Work scheme, with conditions applying from the first day of their claim.

Participants who are fit to work would face stricter rules than under the current system, including daily attendance at a job centre or on training courses. The programme would run for up to six months, ending sooner if the participant finds a job, but those still unemployed after six months would see their benefit reduced by 30%. Young claimants who have previously worked for six months, have health conditions or have caring responsibilities would be exempt. The party also said it would examine whether parents’ earnings and savings should be taken into account in calculating welfare payments for their children.

The Conservatives describe the proposal as a “tough love” approach to tackling the roughly one million young people in the UK who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs).

Speaking to The Spectator, Badenoch argued that it was unfair for people who go to work to see others earn more than them without working. She said even families on benefits recognised the system was out of control, but that no one wanted to be the first to step away from it, adding that the government had to force that change.

The announcement builds on a broader welfare package the party set out last week, under which jobless claimants who had not paid enough into the system would have their benefits cut by 30% after six months and paid onto a pre-payment card that could not be used for alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or cash withdrawals. The Conservatives estimated that plan could save around £538 million a year. People who are sick, disabled or claiming universal credit while in work would be unaffected.

Welfare is set to be a key battleground between the main parties. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out what he called crude cuts to benefits but has pledged to get serious about reducing the welfare bill, saying young people had been let down by a lack of support into work and signalling that he wants to tighten the conditions attached to receiving benefits.