Speaking to the BBC’s Today programme, PM Keir Starmer shared his belief that people on long-term sickness benefits should be encouraged to seek work. He acknowledged that there would be tough cases, but stressed that the idea of looking for work is “right.”
Keir Starmer Calls for Support in Helping Long-Term Sick Return to Work
The prime minister emphasised the need for both the government and businesses to support those who may be anxious about returning to work. He explained that while there are challenges, it’s important to “level” with the country about the difficult choices ahead. In his speech to Labour supporters, he said: “If we want to maintain support for the welfare state, then we will legislate to stop benefit fraud, do everything we can to tackle worklessness.”
After his speech, Starmer was asked in an interview with the Today programme if he agreed with the idea that almost no one should claim benefits without trying to return to work. He replied, “The basic proposition that you should look for work is right.”
He continued, “People need to look for work, but they also need support. That’s why I’ve gone out to look at schemes where businesses are supporting people back into work from long-term sickness.”
He further explained, “Quite often, I think what lies behind this is a fear for someone who’s been on long term sickness that—’can they get back into the workplace? Are they going to be able to cope? Is it all going to go hopelessly wrong?’”
Labour Plans to Support Sick Workers as Illness-Related Unemployment Rises
The number of people not working and not seeking jobs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained high. Almost 3 million people are unable to work due to illness, a rise of 500,000 compared to 2019.
The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts that sickness and disability benefits will cost an additional £30bn over the next five years.
After Sir Keir Starmer’s speech, Labour announced that doctors, skilled at speeding up medical treatments, would be sent to areas with the highest numbers of people unable to work due to ill health. Health Secretary Wes Streeting explained that the NHS would focus on helping people recover and return to work, stating: “the best of the NHS” would help “get sick Brits back to health and back to work”.
