Reform UK proposes community work mandate for long-term benefit claimants

Reform UK has announced plans requiring long-term welfare claimants deemed fit for work to perform 20 hours of community work per week, or face the loss of their benefits. The proposal was unveiled at a press conference in central London by Robert Jenrick, the party’s Treasury spokesperson, on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Under the welfare-to-work scheme, individuals who have been out of work for more than 12 months but are capable of working would be mandated to undertake tasks organized by their local council. These tasks include cleaning high streets and parks, carrying out minor repairs, staffing community centers and libraries, and participating in charity work. Jenrick stated that local charities and community groups would be engaged to help run placements, and councils that fail to provide them could face funding cuts.

"If people who are capable of working refuse, then they’ll get nothing. That’s fair," Jenrick said. He framed the policy as ending a system where some claimants are "taking advantage of their fellow citizens." Reform UK estimates the broader package of welfare changes, including cuts to disability payments and ending benefits access for most foreign nationals,...