Focus on jobs, not benefits, to cut welfare bill, says thinktank
A thinktank suggests that focusing on job creation rather than cutting benefits is the most effective way to reduce the welfare bill. Research indicates that achieving the government's employment target could save £10 billion on universal credit costs. Voter support leans towards addressing the root causes of joblessness rather than immediate cuts to benefits.
- ▪The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report emphasizes tackling joblessness to lower welfare costs.
- ▪Achieving an 80% employment rate could reduce universal credit expenses by £10 billion.
- ▪A survey revealed that 59% of voters prefer long-term solutions over immediate benefit cuts.
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Young people attend the London Job Show earlier this month. Photograph: Susannah Ireland/The GuardianView image in fullscreenYoung people attend the London Job Show earlier this month. Photograph: Susannah Ireland/The GuardianWork & careersFocus on jobs, not benefits, to cut welfare bill, says thinktankHitting government’s target of getting 80% of workers into jobs would reduce cost of universal credit by £10bnHeather StewartMon 25 May 2026 04.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleTackling the root causes of joblessness, instead of cutting benefits, is the best way to get the welfare bill down, and polling shows voters support that approach, according to research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.In a forthcoming report, JRF economists show that hitting the government’s target of…
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