Liz kendell comment

Catherine21
Catherine21 Posts: 2,783 Championing

What do people think of liz kendells comment DWP should focus on work not welfare?

Comments

  • Jimm_Scope
    Jimm_Scope Posts: 5,409 Scope Online Community Specialist
    edited July 24

    If you'd like to read more about her statements the Big Issue did an article on it

    DWP to shift focus from benefits to work, Liz Kendall says (bigissue.com)

    Here is a BBC article as well if you prefer:

    DWP must focus on work not welfare, says minister - BBC News

    From what I can tell, Kendall is wanting the DWP to start focusing things that prevent people from working, and how they can maybe help resolve those. Rather than solely just dealing with benefits.

    I think the following seems to explain their new strategy

    However, Ms Kendall argued the previous government's "divisive rhetoric about strivers versus scroungers" did nothing to get people back into work, adding that the "vast majority" of those out of work face complex barriers to getting a job.

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Posts: 2,783 Championing

    Yes I've read that's why asking question what do people think???? To me sounds that it will be what you can do and they will go with that is that OK?

  • Jimm_Scope
    Jimm_Scope Posts: 5,409 Scope Online Community Specialist

    Yeah, it sounds like they are focusing more on helping people who are facing barriers to work, due to disability or something else, remove those barriers if possible. Whether that's better access to adjustments for work, such as work from home. Or getting them help on the NHS to be treated if what is preventing them from being able to work is something that can be treated. As well as a new skills program if lack of skills is an issue.

    I find it a lot more hopeful sounding than we have heard in a long time.

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Posts: 2,783 Championing

    I dont they can dress it up with bows the undercurrent of that will be pushing people who can't because everyone fits under one umbrella I'm glad you find it positive I don't trust any of them to have best intreast at hearth sick of being treated like noting your entitled to your opinion as I am no mention if you can't work all of work work work

  • Jimm_Scope
    Jimm_Scope Posts: 5,409 Scope Online Community Specialist
    edited July 24

    There are a lot of people who do want to work but cannot because they cannot find work that will adjust it their needs, or they are too unwell to work but would like to.

    I understand your frustration at the way disabled people are treated, but I don't personally see anything here that suggests they will be forcing people into work they don't want to do.

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Posts: 2,783 Championing

    So if they tighten criteria which they will it will become near impossible to claim this will slowly fazed out 2028 2029 we will see The silence speaks volumes from them volumes

  • Amaya_Ringo
    Amaya_Ringo Online Community Member Posts: 231 Empowering

    I'm personally more encouraged by the approach but at the same time cautious. I don't think there's anything in what's been said that indicates those who cannot work will be forced into work, so that's good. But whether they really understand the barriers or will be able to bring them down on a national level…I'm not sure.

    As an autistic person, I'm well aware that we represent the lowest employment % among disabled people. I'm also aware of all the discriminatory processes that they've not talked about yet in anything I've seen written. So whether it will make a difference, I don't know. I do work, but the level of qualification and experience I have vs the employment opportunities I have had is absolutely stark. So much needs to change.

    But it is better than the previous rhetoric so I will continue to keep my fingers crossed.

  • Cantilip
    Cantilip Online Community Member Posts: 623 Empowering

    1.5 million unemployed, means looking for work

    9.4 million 'economically inactive' which means of working age, not in work and not looking for work. Includes students, carers, sick and early retirement. Around 2 million sick Unemployment: Who are the millions of Britons not working? - BBC News

    Number of job vacancies in UK: 889,000.

    UK job vacancies 2024 | Statista

    Right, yes, got you, a maximum of 3.5 million people would be chasing 900,000 jobs.

    Even with initiatives and start-ups and enterprises it would seem to me the chances of someone disabled getting a job are pretty minimal however much you might want to work.

    Maybe tackle the other end of the problem, instead of fretting about people forced to work, disabled people could set up co-ops and make our own way.

  • Penybont
    Penybont Posts: 54 Connected

    It still wont help because they still refuse to do anything about companies refusing to hire disabled people.

    Until we get a govermnent in power who will force buisness in the uk to hire disabled people we will never get a chance of a job.

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Posts: 2,783 Championing

    Exactly and they will say we have help of work coaches who are suffering under huge workload and tightening WCA and PIP that os already hard to get will be near impossible then we will be put on job searches sanctions hopefully charities will fight against yes I know I don't have a crystal ball but I'm nit blinded by the BS anymore

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Posts: 2,783 Championing

    Do you think charities will fight against any proposals

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Posts: 2,783 Championing

    Question if labour do totally welfare reform which they will! How long does that take to roll out