Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has faced criticism after claiming that some benefits claimants are “taking the mickey” following a Department for Work and Pensions survey. The survey found that 44% of mental health and disability claimants believed they could work in the future if their health improved and they had the right support.
Government data reveals that the number of young people aged 16 to 34 who are unemployed due to mental health conditions, disability, or long-term illness has risen to 270,000—an increase of 26% compared to last year. Speaking to ITV, Kendall stated, “I have no doubt, as there always have been, there are people who shouldn’t be on those benefits who are taking the mickey—we have to end that”. She went on to say that while there is “genuinely a problem with many young people, particularly the COVID generation”, the government “can’t have a situation where doing a day’s work is in itself seen as stressful”. Her remarks have drawn backlash from disability rights advocates, who argue that such rhetoric undermines those who genuinely need support.
Shelley Hopkinson, head of policy and influencing at poverty charity Turn2Us, stressed that the government should focus on helping those who rely on benefits rather than targeting “the few who exploit it”. Evan John, policy advisor at disability charity Sense, warned that comments like Kendall’s have a “real and damaging impact on disabled people”, noting that over half of those with complex disabilities report feeling less safe due to statements made by senior politicians. Kendall’s comments come as the Labour government signals its intent to maintain Conservative plans to cut disability benefits and reduce welfare spending.
Last year, sickness-related benefits alone cost the government £65 billion—a 25% increase from pre-pandemic levels—with projections suggesting this figure could reach £100 billion before the next general election. Ministers have voiced concerns over the rising number of benefit claimants and the financial strain on taxpayers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed that those on long-term sickness benefits should be supported to return to work “where they can”, with businesses encouraged to offer employment schemes. However, critics argue that stricter benefit rules are not the solution. Tom Pollard, head of social policy at the New Economics Foundation, asserted that if the government truly aims to reduce welfare spending and help more people into employment, it must focus on “building trusting relationships with people to overcome the barriers they face when getting a new job”, rather than imposing harsher regulations. As the debate continues, the government faces mounting pressure to balance welfare reform with adequate support for those who need it most.