The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been urged to launch a 'tough' crackdown on Universal Credit claimants, as new figures reveal that 5.2 million of the 8.3 million people on the benefit are unemployed. This represents 62% of all claimants, up from 56% a year earlier, according to DWP data reported by The Telegraph.
Rise in Claimants
There were 8.3 million people claiming Universal Credit in February, an increase of 830,000 from 7.5 million the previous year. The surge has prompted criticism from Conservative shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride, who accused the Labour government of failing to tackle welfare reform.
Sir Mel said: 'Labour's benefits bonanza is spiralling and Starmer is too weak to act. Terrified of his own MPs, Starmer talks tough but bottles every real welfare reform. Labour are completely incapable of gripping the welfare bill and Britain cannot afford his weakness any longer.'
No Work Requirements
A growing number of claimants are classified as having 'no work requirements', meaning they are exempt from actively seeking employment due to illness or disability. This category includes individuals who have undergone a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and are deemed unable to work or engage in work-related activities. Others may be exempt due to specific illnesses or disabilities that pose a substantial risk to their health or others.
The No Work-Related Requirements regime is designed for those whose personal circumstances prevent them from working temporarily or long-term. It does not apply to claimants earning above the Conditionality Earnings Threshold or self-employed individuals subject to the Minimum Income Floor, who instead fall under the Working Enough regime.
Sir Mel argued that the figures undermine Labour's promise to 'get Britain working', calling for immediate action to reduce the welfare bill.
