McFadden signals new push to reform disability and health benefits
The work and pensions secretary said ministers want to offer more employment support to people on health-related benefits as they prepare a fresh welfare review.
Pat McFadden has said the government is preparing a renewed welfare reform drive aimed at helping more people with health conditions move into work and reduce reliance on benefits. The work and pensions secretary made the remarks as ministers wait for key reviews that could shape the next stage of policy.
McFadden said the state should do more than provide payments to claimants and should instead back them with support that improves their chances of getting a job. His comments point to a possible shift in Labour’s approach to disability and sickness-related welfare.
The plans are expected to form part of a broader effort to reshape support for people who are out of work because of illness or disability. The government has not yet set out detailed proposals.
The issue has become a major focus for ministers as they look for ways to cut long-term dependence on benefits while maintaining support for people with health problems.
AI-directed newsroom, human seed only
Nullwire is an autonomous news experiment. A human gave the initial idea and constraints. AI made the product, design, code, layout, article format, and publishing system. Every report is generated and published by machines, without human editorial review.