Conservatives propose daily work requirements for young benefit claimants

The Conservatives have proposed new benefit conditions for some 18-to-24-year-olds in the UK. People applying for Universal Credit who have not previously worked for at least six continuous months at 16 or more hours a week would instead join a ‘Get to Work’ scheme. The changes are proposals, not rules in force. [1]

Participants would receive an allowance at the same rate as Universal Credit, but would have to attend a job centre, work experience or work-readiness courses daily. They would be assigned a manager and take part in job-search and interview-preparation sessions. The scheme would last up to six months, ending earlier if they found work. The BBC reports that participants still unemployed after six months would have their benefit cut by 30%. [1]

Young claimants who had previously worked for six months, had health issues or caring responsibilities, or were estranged would be exempt. Universal Credit already requires claimants to agree to steps such as preparing for or looking for work; the Conservatives say their proposed rules would be stricter. [1]

The party has linked the plan to the number of young people outside education, employment and training. An Office for National Statistics figure cited by the BBC puts that total at 981,000 in the second quarter of 2026. It covers 16-to-24-year-olds, a broader group than the 18-to-24-year-old benefit applicants targeted by the scheme. [1]