The “Get Britain Working” White Paper is being used as a political tool by the government to show that it is taking welfare reform seriously. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has highlighted that young people who fail to take up the opportunity of training, education or employment will be sanctioned, in an attempt to boost jobseeker services and improve government agency co-ordination. The proposals are also seen as an essential step in increasing productivity and boosting economic growth.
Although the White Paper is primarily concerned with employment services, it is hoped that tackling inactivity and ensuring that younger people are equipped with the necessary skills will have a positive impact on the country’s growth prospects. The government faces a number of challenges in achieving these goals, however, with the chancellor having already signed up to significant welfare cuts. Although Kendall wants to see more flexibility and consult on issues such as the classification of people as fit or unfit for work, it remains unclear what form her proposals will take.
There are still decisions to be taken on how to address the issue of the nearly three million people who are economically inactive due to ill health, with Kendall suggesting that she wants to move away from the current binary system. However, given the government’s commitment to significant welfare cuts, any changes to the current system are likely to be contentious, with many concerned about the impact on vulnerable groups. With the chancellor making it clear that departments must now live within their means, there are likely to be some difficult decisions ahead
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