The UK government is rolling out a new plan to engage claimants of long-term sickness benefits. As part of a broader effort to curb rising welfare costs, Jobcentre Plus will begin regularly contacting those who have no current obligation to look for work. While this move targets an estimated two million people, experts have raised concerns about its potential effectiveness.
Tackling Rising Sickness Benefit Claims
Sickness-related claims for Universal Credit have overtaken unemployment claims, with nearly half of recipients no longer required to actively search for work. The government has noted a sharp increase in long-term sickness absences, with conditions like mental health disorders and musculoskeletal problems, including back pain, being the most prevalent. According to The Times, the government is now focusing on this issue as part of a wider effort to address the rising cost of welfare, which has ballooned to an estimated £80 billion annually.
This shift in policy marks the first time that claimants with long-term sickness will be actively contacted by Jobcentre Plus staff. For years, these individuals have received benefits without being asked to engage in any job preparation or skills development. The new plan aims to break this cycle, offering training opportunities and guidance to help claimants improve their employability, with a focus on skills development and tailored medical assistance.
Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, called the situation a “shocking inheritance” that must be tackled. He highlighted that two million people are currently stuck on benefits with little support or opportunity to improve their prospects. The initiative will focus particularly on those receiving the highest tier of incapacity benefits, many of whom experience long-term mental health or physical challenges.
Voluntary Engagement with the Possibility of Future Obligations
The government’s approach will initially be voluntary. Claimants will be invited to engage with Jobcentre Plus staff, who will offer tailored employment support, such as CV workshops, job applications assistance, and access to specialist medical help. Ministers have suggested that if the voluntary phase proves successful, a future “responsibility to engage” might be introduced, requiring claimants to take part in these activities.
However, experts have expressed reservations about the impact of the scheme. Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of the Learning and Work Institute, described the focus on the long-term sick as a “sensible” move, but warned that the success of the programme hinges on the government’s ability to expand support for this group. He stressed that it was crucial to offer a broad range of services and not just a narrow set of interventions. Without this, Evans argued, the plan would likely remain a “small-scale” effort with limited results.
