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

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.

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