Conservatives pledge 'tough love' benefit rules for under-25s
The UK Conservative Party has proposed a 'tough love' welfare policy for individuals aged 18-24 who are not in education, employment, or training. The plan mandates daily job center attendance and work readiness courses, with a 30% benefit reduction for those who remain unemployed after six months.
Why it matters
This policy highlights a significant shift in welfare conditionality aimed at reducing youth unemployment and state dependency.
Image source, PA News Image caption, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch (left) with shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately in London last week
The Conservatives have said they would introduce new work requirements for under-25s claiming benefits in a "tough love" approach to youth joblessness.
Young people claiming Universal Credit who are fit to work but have not worked for six months continuously would face new rules to qualify for payments, including daily attendance at a job centre or courses.
The party says the scheme would help tackle the almost one million people aged 16 to 24 in the UK who are not in education, employment or training, known as Neets.
But anti-poverty charity Trussell warned that people on Universal Credit could not afford basic essentials, which harmed their ability to find and keep work.
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