One Million More Britons Exempt from Job Search on Benefits Since Labour Took Power

Since Labour took power in the UK, over one million more people have been placed on universal credit benefits without work requirements, bringing the total to around 3.7 million claimants exempt from job seeking. This increase is particularly notable among older workers aged 45 to 59, with significant rises in those claiming without needing to look for work, partly attributed to ill health and economic inactivity. Campaigners have called for a system that better distinguishes between those genuinely unable to work and those who are work-shy. Meanwhile, young workers face financial hardship due to low minimum wages linked to age, with many unable to afford basic living costs and social activities, despite government promises to abolish age-based wage bands. Additionally, inflexible job conditions deter nearly half of unemployed Scots from applying for positions, with a strong need for more flexible working options to support parents and others. Compounding these issues, rising debt levels are impacting workers’ mental health and career choices, with many accepting jobs they dislike or taking multiple jobs simply to manage financial pressures.