Government to Target Those Leaving Work ‘For a Life on Benefits’

The chancellor said he will toughen the welfare system as he announced plans to increase the minimum wage to £11 per hour.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt arrives on stage to deliver his keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference in Manchester on Oct. 2, 2023. PA Media

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the government will toughen sanctions on benefit claimants leaving work “for a life” paid for by the welfare system.

Mr. Hunt said the sanctions regime should make it harder for people to claim welfare while refusing to “look seriously” for a job.