Marvin OnumonuNearly two million people on Universal Credit are not supported in looking for work, research from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed.
Research found that the number of people in the Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) category rose to 1.8 million, almost quadrupling since the pandemic began.
The figures increased from 360,000 since March 2020, a 383% increase in under five years.
Last year alone, the number rose from 1.4 million to 1.8 million.
Young people aged 16 to 24 in the LCWRA category climbed 249% from 46,000 to 160,000, highlighting concerns about early life inactivity with nearly a million young people not in education, employment, or training.
The Government is implementing strategies to tackle economic inactivity, including plans to empower local mayors, revamp jobcentres, and provide a youth guarantee to ensure every young person is engaged in learning or earning.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is set to unveil comprehensive welfare reforms to foster a more inclusive labour market as part of the Government’s plan to drive change, boost growth, and raise living standards.
Kendall said: “Millions of people have been locked out of work by a failing welfare system which abandons people – when we know there are at least 200,000 people who want to work, and are crying out for the right support and a fair chance.
“This Government is determined to fix the broken benefits system we inherited so it genuinely supports people, unlocks work, boosts living standards while putting the welfare bill on a more sustainable footing.”
