DEVELOPING: Minister Warns Young People of Job Benefits Cut-Off

Breaking News: Young People Warned of Job Benefits Cut-Off Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has announced that young people will lose their right to claim benefits if they refuse a taxpayer-funded job after 18 months without employment. This decision will take effect from next April. Young people who decline a job placement will need a "good reason" to avoid losing their benefits. The government has allocated £820m to fund the scheme, which will provide fully subsidised six-month placements in areas such as construction and hospitality. The placements will begin in six parts of the UK with high youth unemployment from spring 2026. The scheme aims to provide 55,000 six-month placements, with companies taking part yet to be confirmed. This move has been met with criticism from the opposition, with Conservative MP Helen Whately accusing Labour of having "no plan for growth, no plan to create real jobs". The government claims the scheme is a "strong offer of help" for young people. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.