Spring Statement 2025: Workers’ rights bill ‘net negative’ for economy, OBR says Politics The government’s workers’ rights bill will “probably [have] net negative economic impacts”, the independent fiscal watchdog has said. Labour unveiled their workers’ rights package – the Employment Rights Bill – last year, and measures were hailed by unions as “common sense” reforms for a “fairer economy”. But according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), [...]
Ministers must get a grip of broken benefits system, Reeves insists Politics Rachel Reeves has doubled down on the need to reform the welfare system, insisting the government must “get a grip” on it amid concerns from Labour MPs about the impact of expected cuts to the budget. The benefits system is “broken” and is “not working for anyone”, the Chancellor said. Backbench Labour MPs have made [...]
The welfare system isn’t working – here’s how to fix it Opinion Claims for incapacity benefits have gone up by 27 per cent while 35 per cent more have no obligation to look for work. The system needs radical reform, starting with these four changes, say Jean-Andre Prager and Dr Sean Phillips Britain’s health and disability benefits system isn’t working. The Office of Budget Responsibility estimates the [...]
‘Doing a day’s work seen as stressful’ by youth, Liz Kendall says February 7, 2025 The UK must avoid a situation where “doing a day’s work is in itself seen as stressful” by young people, Liz Kendall has warned. The work and pensions secretary has told ITV: “There is genuinely a problem with many young people, particularly the Covid generation, but we can’t have a situation where doing a day’s [...]
Britain needs to work harder to ‘compete globally’, Chris Philp says January 31, 2025 Brits need to work harder in order to “compete globally” with rival nations, Chris Philp has argued. The Conservative shadow home secretary told BBC Radio 4’s Political Thinking podcast that the UK “needs everyone to make a contribution” to keep up with states like China and India. He told presenter Nick Robinson that there were [...]
Brits should fill overseas workers job vacancies, minister to say May 21, 2024 British jobseekers should fill vacancies previously staffed by overseas workers, the work and pensions secretary is to say.
Half of workers ‘tempted’ to move jobs for four-day week, survey finds May 11, 2024 Half of workers say they would be “tempted” to move jobs for the offer of a four-day working week, a survey has found.
Former immigration minister Jenrick says Tories must win back ‘on strike’ voters May 8, 2024 The Conservatives need to win back voters who have gone “on strike” over the failure to tackle immigration and extremism, Robert Jenrick has said.
The Debate: Have flexible working laws gone too far? May 1, 2024 Will new laws allowing workers to "request" flexible hours culminate in the irreparable breakdown of society?