More people are working in the UK today than ever before, including record numbers of women. Our economic plans have created more jobs than anyone forecast, and that means more opportunities for everyone to get on in life. But Liberal Democrats inherited a benefit system which trapped millions on out of work benefits with no hope or aspiration for a better life, because it simply didn’t pay to work.

Liberal Democrats have overseen the most radical reform of our benefits system for decades and are committed to finishing the job of simplifying our benefits system and making work pay. Universal Credit will ensure there is a more gradual withdrawal of benefits when someone enters work. Our plans to devolve back-to-work support to local people will better connect job seekers into their local economies and help them find employment more quickly. Liberal Democrats will continue to work with businesses to help them grow until there are opportunities for everyone, and improve wages and employment rights, including extending parental leave with an extra “use it or lose it” month for new fathers.

Back-to-work support Reform benefits Shared Parental Leave Low pay