Jeremy Hunt speech: Chancellor pledges 'fundamental reforms' to get millions back to work

Jeremy Hunt has promised a "fundamental programme of reforms" to get millions of people back to work as he said the drive will be the key to fixing the UK’s "productivity puzzle".

The Chancellor said approximately one fifth of UK adults of working age are economically inactive - about 6.6million people - and of those 1.4million want to work and a further five million do not.

Mr Hunt used a major speech in central London this morning to tell those people "Britain needs you" as he set out his vision for delivering economic growth and increased prosperity.

He said: "So it is time for a fundamental programme of reforms to support people with long term conditions or mental illness to overcome the barriers and prejudices that prevent them from working.

"We will never harness the full potential of our country unless we unlock it for each and every one of our citizens. Nor will we fix our productivity puzzle unless everyone who can participate does.

"So to those who retired early after the pandemic or haven't found the right role after furlough, I say Britain needs you and we will look at the conditions necessary to make work worth your while."

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