11 March 2023 , 22:30
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Jeremy Hunt is ‘following Labour’s lead’ by adopting parts of the opposition’s welfare reform plan.
The Chancellor is expected to announce plans to help the long-term sick, disabled and over 50s back into the workforce by “removing barriers” in the benefits system.
He’ll also use Wednesday’s speech to scrap the hated Work Capability Assessments, which Labour said had forced people to wait for months before returning to work.
But he’s also expected to ramp up sanctions on benefit claimants who don’t look for work or take up job offers.
And ‘Returnerships’ are set to be announced, offering skills training for over-50s wanting to return to the workforce, alongside an expanded ‘skills bootamp’ programme opening up 8,000 more places by 2025.
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Jonathan Ashworth, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary last week challenged Mr Hunt to prove he was “serious about the future of this country” by following Labour’s plan.
He told the Sunday Mirror: “Are you serious about getting people back to work, into good, well paying jobs? That’s why I’m saying I’ve got a plan.”
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Ashworth (PA)Responding to Mr Hunt’s expected announcement, Mr Ashworth added: “Over recent months Labour has outlined welfare reforms to get Britain back to work and now the Tories are following our lead.
“The reality is with families struggling after 13 years of Tory economic failure it’s only Labour with a detailed plan to grow our economy, help more people into quality jobs and raise living standards.”
Speaking ahead of the Budget, Mr Hunt said: “For many people, there are barriers preventing them from moving into work – lack of skills, a disability or health condition, or having been out of the jobs market for an extended period of time.”
He added: “I want this back-to-work Budget to break down these barriers and help people find jobs that are right for them.
“We need to plug the skills gaps and give people the qualifications, support and incentives they need to get into work.
“Through this plan, we can address labour shortages, bring down inflation, and put Britain back on a path to growth.”