Half a million more Brits join the benefits bill with every new PM since 2019, claims damning data

BRITAIN has added more than half a million people to the out-of-work benefit bill for each of the five PMs since 2019.

There are now 6.6million Brits claiming out of work benefits – an increase of 2.7million since 2019, according to analysis by the Centre for Social Justice.

The think tank is calling for Andy Burnham – who is set to become the country’s seventh Prime Minister in a decade – to get to grips with the crisis.

Chairman and former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: “Welfare reform takes courage and time.

“But the rewards are enormous.

“Getting fewer than one quarter of those on long-term benefits back to work would generate £18 billion.

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“That’s enough to cut taxes by thousands, slash the deficit, or boost defence to 3 per cent of GDP.

“Even more importantly, it would transform lives forever by extending all the advantages that come with a job.

“Whoever emerges as the next Prime Minister must grasp the nettle without delay.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “We are committed to supporting people into work as the most effective way to drive down the benefits bill.

“That’s why this government has introduced the Youth Guarantee and the Right to try work without fear of immediate reassessment.

“As well as personalised support for sick and disabled people worth £3.5bn over the parliament.”