Opposition parties criticise PM's plan to tackle 'sick note culture'

Benefits are a 'lifestyle choice' for some according to the PM as seeks to crackdown on the number of people out of work.

People who still out of work after 12 months following support from a work coach will have "their benefits removed entirely".

The plans have been widely criticised by disability charities with Scope saying that the plans represent a "full-on assault on disabled people".

Labour have called the plans a ‘sticking plaster policy’.

“A healthy nation is critical to a healthy economy, but the Tories have completely failed on both,” said Julie Minns, Labour’s candidate for Carlisle.

Julie Minns (Image: Supplied)“We have a record number of people on NHS waiting lists and a record number of people locked out of work due to long-term sickness.

“This comes at great personal cost to them, a spiralling benefits bill to the taxpayer and near stagnant economic growth.

“But instead of a serious plan to address this, Rishi Sunak offers up yet another sticking plaster policy.

“By contrast Labour is the party of work, with a serious plan to reduce NHS waiting lists, provide specialist mental health support, reform Jobcentres, reform Access to Work, and introduce changes to incapacity benefits to encourage recipients to try work without fear of losing their income or having to be reassessed if the job doesn’t work out.”

The Liberal Democrat candidate for Carlisle, Cllr Brian Wernham said that it was a ‘deflection from the real issues’.

“The Liberal Democrats are deeply concerned about the Prime Minister's recent remarks and proposals regarding the so-called ‘sick note culture’,” said Cllr Wernham.

Cllr Brian Wernham (Image: Supplied)“I believe these changes risk demonizing those who are unable to work due to illness or disability, and oversimplify the challenges faced by individuals in securing meaningful employment.

“This Conservative government's approach is a misguided attempt to shift the blame for NHS shortcomings and economic difficulties onto the most vulnerable members of society.

“I see this as a deflection from the real issues, including the severe delays and access problems within the NHS, which have exacerbated a disability health crisis across the country.

“I believe in a more compassionate and effective strategy - supporting the entire healthcare system to improve access to GPs and mental health services, thereby addressing the root causes of long-term sickness absence.

“My focus would be on providing substantial support for those with disabilities and health conditions to find and retain appropriate work, recognizing the dignity and potential of every individual.”

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The Greens have said that society should move away from the ‘blame game narrative’.

Carlisle Green Party candidate, Gavin Hawkton said: "As the General Election looms, it's becoming painfully clear that the Conservative Party's playbook revolves around scapegoating the most vulnerable in our society.

"Don't fall for it - all this is doing is trying to deflect attention away from the havoc that has been caused by years of austerity and neglect of our NHS.

Gavin Hawkton (Image: Supplied)"We need to move on from this divisive 'blame game' rhetoric and a commitment to practical and forward-thinking solutions. The Green Party's proposed wealth tax to generate much needed investment into our public services and foster job creation is a good place to start."

Rishi Sunak said that the moves will help to control almost £70 billion welfare bill currently spent on people of a working age with a disability or health condition.