Unless benefits replaced with decent jobs poverty will soar

The UK Government’s Spring Statement outlines plans for welfare reform aimed at moving people into work and off benefits. However, The Salvation Army is concerned that these measures will increase poverty rather than employment.

Rebecca Keating, The Salvation Army’s Director of Employment Services, said:

“While we support efforts to help people into work, cutting benefits without first ensuring there is meaningful support to help people into jobs that pay enough to live on risks pushing people further into poverty. 

“A secure job with a decent wage is one of the best ways out of poverty but getting a job isn’t just about willingness to work; it’s about opportunity.

“At The Salvation Army, we see firsthand the harsh realities disadvantaged people face just to survive. Every day, our Employment Plus programme—operating in 120 local communities—supports thousands of marginalized, socially isolated, and vulnerable people who are desperate to work but face major barriers such as poor health, lack of skills, homelessness, or caring responsibilities. Simply cutting benefits without a clear plan for job creation and employability support won’t help people into work—it will only push them and their families further into poverty.

“If the Government is serious about reducing reliance on benefits, it must create the conditions for people to succeed. Without that, these welfare reforms will do little more than deepen the struggles of those already at the back of the queue for jobs.”