The Chancellor warns of a growing problem

JEREMY Hunt, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced plans to crack down on benefits claimants who refuse to find a job. This comes as the UK faces a growing issue of people leaving the workforce and relying on handouts. Hunt will address the problem in his speech at the Tory party's annual rally in Manchester, stating that the system is heading in the "wrong direction" since the pandemic.

Pushing for a more productive UK

Hunt and Welfare Secretary Mel Stride will outline plans in November's Autumn Statement to boost UK productivity and make work pay. He will also criticize Labour for potentially removing incentives to work. In addition, Hunt will announce that the national living wage will rise to at least £11 per hour, benefitting two million of the country's lowest-paid workers.

A more rigorous system

The Chancellor and Welfare Secretary will introduce a more rigorous system to claim cash benefits. This includes looking at the way the sanctions regime works, as Hunt believes it is a matter of fairness. He argues that those who refuse to even look for work should not receive the same benefits as those who are actively trying to find employment.

Ensuring work always pays

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supports these measures and claims they will "ensure work always pays." The details of the plans will be set out in November.

Cracking down on dads who refuse to pay child maintenance

As part of a longer-term strategy to ensure parents fulfill their responsibilities, Mel Stride will use his speech to launch a new crackdown on fathers who refuse to pay child maintenance.

An extra £1,000 per year for low-paid workers

The national living wage will rise to £11 per hour, which means full-time workers will earn an extra £1,000 per year. This change will benefit two million of the lowest-paid workers in the UK.