Long-term benefits claimants to work or face being stripped of cash: Reform UK

Reform UK has unveiled proposals targeting long-term benefits claimants, saying people who are able to work would be forced into community work or face having payments stripped. Speaking in central London, Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick framed the plan as part of wider welfare reforms under a potential Reform government, including cutting £50 billion from the welfare bill. Jenrick said the policy would require 20 hours a week working in the community for claimants fit for work. The plans also include changing or withdrawing disability and sickness payments, and banning foreign nationals—covering EU nationals—from claiming almost all UK benefits, with a veterans’ exemption.