Summer riots a 'wake-up call' for the need to get people back into work
New research backed by Sir Iain Duncan Smith suggests a connection between high levels of worklessness and the violence that shocked the nation.
This summer’s riots were “a wake-up call” revealing the need to get people back into work, says senior Tory Sir Iain Duncan Smith.
New research suggests a connection between high levels of worklessness and the violence that shocked the nation, with 14 out of 20 towns and cities hit by rioting also seeing high numbers dropping out of employment.
The report calls on the Government to switch £6billion from Whitehall to mayors and town halls, so local leaders can get people back to work and restore social order.
The disorder followed the killing of three children in Southport on July 29.
Politicians including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have accused social media and far-right groups of encouraging the violence by spreading false information about the identity of the alleged killer.
However research from the Centre of Social Justice, a think tank founded by Sir Iain, suggests failure to get people into work is also to blame. The MP, a former Work and Pensions Secretary, said: “Violence is never justified as a response, but what we have seen is a wake-up call to Westminster to listen to those who feel left behind and ignored. It is in these communities suffering from poverty and social breakdown, where the disenchantment with national politics is greatest.”
A report published today by the think tank says areas hit by riots such as Blackpool, Hartlepool, Liverpool and Southport also have high levels of people classed as “economically inactive”. While such people are not in work and not looking for a job, many say they would like to work if given the opportunity.
Authors of the study include Labour mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, Government Minister Sir Stephen Timms MP, former Conservative MP Miriam Cates, former leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron and former Bank of England governor Lord King. Mr Burnham said: “Our worst fears of the consequences of a divided nation have come to pass with the riots this summer.
“But there is a pathway to a better future for our nation and people. Thousands of people classed as not fit for work want to get a job and get on with their lives. The key to economic growth is to help them make that journey.”
The panel says local job coaches and charities should lead in getting people suffering from physical and mental ill health into work.
The number of economically inactive people has jumped 400,000 in a year to 9.4 million, including three million of working age signed off with temporary or long-term sickness.
