Huge benefits shake-up to get millions back to work and universal credit change in Labour plan – will you be affected?
LABOUR will promise a huge benefits shake-up to get millions of Brits back to work and reform Universal Credit.
Sir Keir Starmer is launching his manifesto for the General Election in Manchester today, with benefits reform a key part of his pledges to voters on July 4.
The party chief also committed to reforming Universal Credit "so that it makes work pay and tackles poverty" - although the document does not give specific details on what will exactly change.
He is also pledging to "end mass dependence on emergency food parcels, which is a moral scar on our society".
Under new plans, Labour would work with local authorities to get more disabled and sick people back into employment.
It adds disabled people should have "the confidence to start working without the fear of an immediate benefit reassessment."
All adults from 18 would also be entitled to the same minimum wage in a shift from current policies which increase workers' pay from the age of 21.
Sir Keir's 125-page document also offers "better in-work security" for benefits claimants who have managed to secure a job.
The party's manifesto, released this morning, reads: "Too many people are out of work or not earning enough. Long waits for treatment of health conditions, particularly mental health, are contributing to the rise in economic inactivity.
"Labour will reform employment support so it drives growth and opportunity.
"Our system will be underpinned by rights and responsibilities - people who can work, should work - and there will be consequences for those who do not fulfil their obligations.
"Labour will stop the chaos and turn the page to create a partnership between business and trade unions.
"We will consult fully with businesses, workers, and civil society on how to put our plans into practice before legislation is passed.
"This will include banning exploitative zero-hours contracts; ending fire and rehire; and introducing basic rights from day one to parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal.
"We will strengthen the collective voice of workers, including through their trade unions, and create a Single Enforcement Body to ensure employment rights are upheld. These changes will improve the lives of working people across the entire UK.
"Labour will also make sure the minimum wage is a genuine living wage.
"We will change the remit of the independent Low Pay Commission so for the first time it accounts for the cost of living.
"Labour will also remove the discriminatory age bands, so all adults are entitled to the same minimum wage, delivering a pay rise to hundreds of thousands of workers across the UK."
