Cllr Andrew Eade (Conservative, Church Aston & Lilleshall) sounded the alarm today over spiralling youth unemployment and long-term sickness benefit claims – clear evidence, he says, of Labour’s failed benefits reforms and poor economic stewardship.
Recent figures show the number of 18–24-year-olds claiming Universal Credit in Telford & Wrekin is up 9% compared to July 2024, while nationwide, a staggering one million more working-age Britons have been signed off work indefinitely since Labour took power.
“These numbers are damning. Labour’s so-called ‘benefits reform’ is simply trapping more young people on welfare,” said Cllr Eade.
“People who want to work are being let down – and it’s the honest, hardworking taxpayer who's paying the price.”
Cllr Eade insisted that the rising tide of inactivity, particularly among youth, is not only a signal of government failure but also a warning that the area’s future prosperity is under threat.
“It’s time for Labour to stop throwing blame around and start delivering results. Real jobs, real support for local young people, and relief for Telford’s stretched taxpayers.”
