Over 300,000 Londoners too sick to work

More than 300,000 Londoners are now unable to work due to illness, highlighting a growing economic inactivity crisis. In 2024, about 305,107 people in the capital were reported as economically inactive, with some boroughs showing alarmingly high rates. In Tower Hamlets, one in ten residents were too sick to work, while Enfield and Hounslow reported similar issues. The situation in the UK is also concerning, with over 3 million people classified as economically inactive due to sickness. The Department for Work & Pensions has projected that this number could rise significantly by 2030, reaching about 3.62 million. The increase follows a sharp rise in the number of people claiming sickness and disability benefits, from 2.8 million in 2019 to around 4 million today. In response to these rising figures, the government announced reforms to the benefits system aimed at reducing the welfare bill by £5 billion. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall stated that it is unsustainable for one in ten working-age individuals to rely on sickness benefits. While personal independence payments for disabilities won't be frozen or means-tested, the criteria for who qualifies will be tightened. These reforms have sparked backlash from Labour MPs, unions, and charities, who fear that vulnerable individuals will be affected. Critics, including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, have argued against the morality of cutting benefits for those in need. Starmer emphasized the importance of addressing youth unemployment and supporting those dependent on benefits. As the government moves forward with these changes, the debate over the welfare system's effectiveness and fairness continues.