Reform UK has announced that long-term, work-capable Universal Credit claimants would be required to complete 20 hours of work for their local community each week under a Reform government.
The measure forms part of the new Making Welfare Work policy, which would support those who genuinely cannot work while ensuring those who can are encouraged to contribute. It would also end access to welfare benefits for foreign nationals, instead putting British citizens first.
The specific scheme, Welfare to Work, would apply to adults on Universal Credit’s Seeking Work conditions, who have been claiming benefits for more than 12 months and are capable of working. Currently, more than 330,000 people fall into this category.
For too long, British workers have been forced to carry the burden of those who refuse to get up and go to work. Under a Reform government, those on unemployment benefits will do 20 hours of community work a week to repay it. If they refuse, they will receive nothing.
Under the proposals, local councils would assign claimants to placements carrying out work, including cleaning and beautifying high streets and parks, clerical work, and minor construction or repair jobs. Placements could be with local authorities themselves or with approved locally registered charities.
Reform UK Shadow Chancellor Robert Jenrick said the policy would restore fairness for the taxpayers who fund the welfare system.
“If taxpayers must contribute, so must those who are able to work also play their part”, he said.
Jenrick added that the scheme would help people establish a work routine and demonstrate to potential employers that they are capable of being productive employees.
Those who refuse to take part, repeatedly fail to attend, perform poorly or engage in misconduct could face sanctions - including possibly having their benefits withdrawn altogether.
Reform UK is the only party willing to stop rewarding laziness and start rewarding contribution. As Jenrick made clear: “If people who are capable of work refuse, then they’ll get nothing. That’s fair.”
The measure forms part of the new Making Welfare Work policy, which would support those who genuinely cannot work while ensuring those who can are encouraged to contribute. It would also end access to welfare benefits for foreign nationals, instead putting British citizens first.
The specific scheme, Welfare to Work, would apply to adults on Universal Credit’s Seeking Work conditions, who have been claiming benefits for more than 12 months and are capable of working. Currently, more than 330,000 people fall into this category.
For too long, British workers have been forced to carry the burden of those who refuse to get up and go to work. Under a Reform government, those on unemployment benefits will do 20 hours of community work a week to repay it. If they refuse, they will receive nothing.
Under the proposals, local councils would assign claimants to placements carrying out work, including cleaning and beautifying high streets and parks, clerical work, and minor construction or repair jobs. Placements could be with local authorities themselves or with approved locally registered charities.
Reform UK Shadow Chancellor Robert Jenrick said the policy would restore fairness for the taxpayers who fund the welfare system.
“If taxpayers must contribute, so must those who are able to work also play their part”, he said.
Jenrick added that the scheme would help people establish a work routine and demonstrate to potential employers that they are capable of being productive employees.
Those who refuse to take part, repeatedly fail to attend, perform poorly or engage in misconduct could face sanctions - including possibly having their benefits withdrawn altogether.
Reform UK is the only party willing to stop rewarding laziness and start rewarding contribution. As Jenrick made clear: “If people who are capable of work refuse, then they’ll get nothing. That’s fair.”
