The Conservative Party has announced plans to bar school leavers from immediately claiming Universal Credit, with a new scheme aimed at encouraging young people to enter the workforce rather than rely on benefits. The proposals, unveiled by Kemi Badenoch, the party’s Work and Pensions Secretary, would require unemployed teenagers to participate in intensive job coaching and work-related activities before becoming eligible for full welfare support.
Under the planned “Get To Work” initiative, young people out of education or work would be expected to engage in daily attendance at job centres, work experience placements, interview preparation, and basic skills training such as communication and teamwork. Those who fail to actively seek employment or meet participation requirements could be assigned community service tasks, including litter picking. After six months without securing work, participants would move to a lower-tier Subsistence Allowance set at 70% of the standard Universal Credit rate. Payments would be made via a restricted card that prevents spending on items like alcohol, tobacco, or gambling.
Badenoch framed the move as part of a broader effort to restore fairness within the welfare system, arguing that current arrangements are unjust to those who are working. Speaking ahead of next week’s Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, she emphasized a “tough-love” approach aimed at tackling unemployment among young people and criticized Labour’s welfare policies as outdated and ineffective. Badenoch also addressed concerns about individuals with conditions such as ADHD or anxiety, stating that those capable of working would still be expected to participate in the programme.
The announcement comes amid a wider Conservative agenda to reduce government spending on welfare, with the party pledging £23 billion in cuts as part of a £47 billion savings plan. The new policy contrasts sharply with Labour’s approach, which advocates expanding welfare support. The Tory leadership plans to highlight welfare reform as a key election issue, introducing a campaign slogan to “Put the fair back in welfare.”
Labour’s shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately responded by stressing the urgency of addressing high youth inactivity rates and criticizing Labour’s past impact on employment. She said the scheme aims to break a detrimental cycle of young people moving directly onto benefits after leaving school, describing it as a necessary measure to improve the economy and opportunities for young people.
The welfare reform proposal has sparked debate over its potential impact on vulnerable young people and the extent to which it balances support with enforcement. Badenoch dismissed accusations that the plan targets the vulnerable, maintaining it is designed to incentivize those who can work to do so.
The policy rollout comes as Conservative officials prepare to criticize Labour’s economic platform, with Badenoch characterizing Labour leader Andy Burnham’s recent conference speech as a return to outdated left-wing policies. The Tory conference will also spotlight issues on the cost of living and energy price increases, advocates warn, with the government forecasting a challenging winter for families.