Young people should get fewer welfare benefits, according to Milburn review on the workforce – UK politics live

Milburn’s review is considering how to address the growing number of young people classified as not in education, employment or training Good morning and welcome to the UK politics live blog. Led by former health secretary Alan Milburn, the review is examining the barriers preventing young people from entering the workforce and how to address the growing number classified as not in education, employment or training (Neet), which currently stands at about 981,000 across the UK.
Good morning and welcome to the UK politics live blog. Young people could lose entitlement to the main sickness and disability benefits under a significant overhaul of the welfare system, according to proposals expected to emerge from the government-commissioned review into young people and work.
Led by former health secretary Alan Milburn, the review is examining the barriers preventing young people from entering the workforce and how to address the growing number classified as not in education, employment or training (Neet), which currently stands at about 981,000 across the UK.
The review, which has been under way for a year, is expected to include proposals that would remove under-25s’ entitlement to the health element of universal credit and personal independence payment (Pip), replacing them with a standard-rate youth allowance. Under the plans, first reported by the Times, those with additional needs arising from a disability would receive a separate, non-means-tested allowance, while those with severe disabilities and who are not capable of working would qualify for a higher rate.
Speaking to the newspaper, Milburn acknowledged that the changes would not be “pain-free”, admitting some young people could initially receive less financial support than under the current system. The final review is due to be published on Tuesday.
Prime minister Andy Burnham addressed world leaders at Cop31 in Turkey, pledging a “new era of British leadership” on climate change and reaffirming the UK’s commitment to its 2050 net-zero target. He said international consensus on science and climate “has gone”, adding: “The reality is the world will breach the 1.5C target.” You can keep up to date with the latest from the Cop31 summit in our live blog here:
The UK has appointed the world’s first special representative for climate security, with Madeline Alessandri taking on the role to advise the government on the national security risks posed by climate change. Read more:
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