Key facts
- Conservatives propose 'Get to Work' scheme for under-25s claiming benefits.
- Scheme requires daily attendance at job centers or training courses.
- Benefits could be cut by 30% if employment is not secured after six months.
- Exemptions for those with prior work experience, health issues, or care responsibilities.
Conservative ministers have outlined a new "Get to Work" scheme aimed at tackling youth joblessness by reforming the benefits system. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately stated that the government's inaction on benefits reform was exacerbating the unemployment crisis among young people. The proposed scheme would require individuals aged 18 to 24 who have not worked for six months continuously to attend daily job centers or work readiness and training courses to receive benefits. This approach, described as "tough love," aims to incentivize employment over reliance on state support. Those who do not secure a job within six months on the program could face a 30% cut in their benefits. Exemptions are planned for individuals with prior work experience, health issues, or care responsibilities. The party also indicated a review of factoring parental income into welfare payments for their children.