The UK’s worklessness crisis demands urgent government intervention, says Asda’s chair.
- Office for National Statistics reports show a rise in long-term sickness affecting workforce participation.
- Lord Rose stresses the necessity of balancing the benefits system to boost productivity.
- Both business leaders and government officials express concerns over post-pandemic labour market issues.
- A comprehensive strategy involving education and workplace engagement is encouraged to address long-term challenges.
In a decisive statement, Asda chair Lord Rose has urged the government to address the ongoing worklessness crisis by reforming the benefits system. This call to action follows a report from the Office for National Statistics, which revealed that 2.8 million working-age individuals are unable to work due to long-term sickness, an increase from 2.2 million before the pandemic.
Lord Rose, who previously led Marks & Spencer and Ocado, emphasised the importance of increasing productivity and addressing the economic inactivity of these individuals. He highlighted the need for a balanced benefits system that supports the truly needy while encouraging those who can contribute more to do so. Rose remarked, “We must increase productivity. We must tackle these 2.8m people who are economically inactive. We must make sure that we’ve got the benefit system in balance.”
Echoing this sentiment, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has also expressed his concern about the rising number of individuals not participating in the workforce post-pandemic. Both leaders agree that the labour market requires urgent attention and strategic intervention to reverse current trends.
Lord Rose also pointed out that resolving the crisis could take “a decade or two” and suggested that the solution begins with education. He advocates for equipping people with the necessary skills for future workplaces and making employment engaging and valuable. Rose insisted, “The workplace is somewhere where you can earn money and earn self-esteem.”
These statements from prominent figures underscore the growing recognition that the UK’s worklessness issues are complex and deeply rooted. A coordinated effort focusing on education, benefits reform, and workplace integration is deemed essential to overcoming this significant economic hurdle.
Addressing the UK’s worklessness crisis requires a comprehensive strategy involving benefits reform, education, and workplace engagement.
