IEA Director of Public Policy and Communications Matthew Lesh has written for City AM discussing the government’s new proposals to get people off welfare and into work.

Matthew wrote:

“The rising cost of welfare and fewer people in the workforce has many larger economic implications. Not only do we all face a higher tax burden to provide these payments but there are also ongoing labour shortages across the country, which are already thought to be contributing to Britain’s stagnant economy.

“In response, the government plans to change how payments are provided and tighten eligibility requirements.

“However, we should not be overly optimistic about the chances of success. According to the ONS, three-quarters of people who are long-term sick simply do not want a job.”

Read Matthew’s full piece here.