New DWP sanctions announced as part of Labour Get Britain Working Again reforms

A minister says blaming people for their poor mental health won't be part of the Labour Party's plan to boost employment with Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) reforms. But sanctions will be coming for those who refuse to take up work or training.

Alison McGovern confirmed that sanctions would apply to young people who do not take up offers of education, employment or training. On the Today programme, she stressed that most young people would want to accept what was offered, and that sanctions already operate in the system.

She said: "When good help is offered, it is taken up, that is normally what happens. Of course, people will always think of that small minority […] people who are not interested, they don’t want to do it … There are rules in the system.

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"Those rules have got to be made to work to make sure that if you take out in the form of social security, you have to do your part of the bargain." The Secretary of State, Liz Kendall MP said: "To get Britain growing, we need to get Britain working again. Our reforms will break down barriers to opportunity, help people to get into work and on at work, allow local leaders to boost jobs and growth, and give our children and young people the best opportunities to get on in life.

"The Get Britain Working White Paper shows that this Government stands unashamedly for work. We will make sure everyone, regardless of their background, age, ethnicity, health, disability or postcode can benefit from the dignity and purpose work can bring.

"We can build a healthier, wealthier nation – driving up employment and opportunity, skills and productivity – while driving down the benefit bill." The White Paper on the biggest reforms to employment support for a generation will be published today, backed by £240 million investment.