Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that nearly 4.2 million people are currently receiving Universal Credit without any work requirements, a significant increase from the 2.7 million recorded when the Labour government took office in July 2024. This rise is largely attributed to a surge in mental health-related claims.
The monthly standard allowance for a couple, both aged 25 or over, on Universal Credit is £628. This figure underscores the scale of financial support being provided to those classified as having ‘no need to work’.
Helen Whately, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, criticized the Labour government’s handling of welfare reforms, stating the increase signals a failure to address benefits effectively. She said, “Labour came into government with no plans to reform welfare, so it’s no surprise they’ve made no progress.”
Conservative MP Helen Whately emphasized their approach, stating, “We plan to stop sickness benefits for low-level mental health issues, reinstate face-to-face assessments, and cease benefits for non-British citizens. Our focus is on supporting businesses through tax cuts and reducing red tape to create jobs and get Britain working.”
Lee Anderson, Reform UK MP, expressed concerns about the system’s abuse, accusing Labour of favoring those who don’t work over those who do. He highlighted Reform UK’s commitment to overhauling the benefits system to reduce the £342 billion welfare bill.
A DWP spokesperson commented on the situation, explaining that the rise reflects the transition from legacy benefits and acknowledged inherent flaws in the previous system that discouraged work. The spokesperson added that the government is actively addressing these issues by removing disincentives within Universal Credit and redeploying 1,000 work coaches to support sick and disabled claimants, aligning with wider initiatives to ‘Get Britain Working.’