Lord Rose, chair of Asda, has called upon the government to reform the benefits system to address the UK’s worklessness crisis.
- The Office for National Statistics reports a rise in long-term sickness impacting work participation post-pandemic.
- Lord Rose emphasised the necessity of balancing support for the needy while encouraging capable individuals to contribute.
- Rose urges the need for skill-oriented education to prepare for future workforce requirements.
- The discussion highlights the complex social and economic challenges that need long-term strategies.
Lord Rose, the chair of Asda, has called for a significant overhaul of the benefits system in an effort to tackle the growing crisis of worklessness in the UK. The call comes as data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates an increase in the number of working-age individuals unable to work due to long-term sickness, rising from 2.2 million before the pandemic to 2.8 million.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Lord Rose highlighted the importance of increasing productivity by engaging the economically inactive population. He stressed the need to maintain a balanced benefits system that supports those in genuine need while also encouraging those who are able to contribute more than they currently are.
Lord Rose, who previously led another major retail company, voiced his concerns about the potential for society to rely too heavily on benefits. He remarked, “We can’t just become a state now where people just live on handouts. ‘Oh, I’m not feeling very well…I’m feeling a bit tired.’” Rose defended his position against critics by sharing his own upbringing, stating, “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. I was born and lived in a caravan. I’m 75 years old and I’m still working.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds expressed similar concerns regarding the labour market. He noted the alarming rise in worklessness since the pandemic and underscored the importance of addressing this issue.
Lord Rose further elaborated that the resolution to this issue would span “a decade or two,” starting with the foundational education of individuals in relevant skills for future employment. He believes the workplace should be seen as a place for learning new skills, earning money, and building self-esteem.
Addressing the UK’s worklessness crisis requires a multi-faceted approach with a focus on reforming the benefits system and enhancing education and training.
