In their joint letter to Milburn and Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, charity leaders warn cutting support or bringing in sanctions risks pushing thousands of vulnerable youngsters deeper into poverty and further away from employment.More than 40 of the UK’s leading charities have warned ministers against imposing tougher benefit sanctions or cuts on disabled young people, as the government considers how to encourage more young people into work.
The charities raised concerns that an imminent review of young people and work by Alan Milburn could bring in stricter eligibility rules for keeping disability benefits – or remove them altogether – as part of a wider plan to boost flagging youth job rates.
Nearly 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK are classed as Neet (not in employment, education or training). Milburn has warned this is economically unsustainable and disastrous for a generation of young people.
In their joint letter to Milburn and Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, charity leaders warn cutting support or bringing in sanctions risks pushing thousands of vulnerable youngsters deeper into poverty and further away from employment.
