Tories propose work coaching for unemployed school leavers to curb benefit claims

In a recent interview, Kemi Badenoch detailed Conservative plans to stop school leavers from immediately accessing Universal Credit, insisting they first undergo intensive work-coaching. The "Get To Work" scheme would involve daily visits to local job centres, placement in community tasks such as litter picking, and training in basic employer-valued skills. Participants who fail to find or accept work after six months would be moved to a new Subsistence Allowance, amounting to 70% of the standard Universal Credit rate and delivered on a card that blocks spending on items like alcohol or gambling.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately warned that one outlet NEET rate is higher than Greece's and blamed Labour policies for job losses among young people. The proposals will be highlighted at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, where the party aims to position itself against Labour on welfare reform.