Kemi Badenoch says the Conservatives would stop unemployed school leavers from claiming Universal Credit immediately, requiring them instead to take part in intensive job coaching. The proposed approach is intended to move young people into work and make welfare conditional on making efforts to find or accept a job.

The proposed “Get To Work” scheme could involve daily job-centre attendance, work experience, interview preparation and, for some, community work. Those still without work after six months could receive a Subsistence Allowance set at 70 per cent of the basic Universal Credit rate, paid on a restricted card. The Tories say the plans would form part of wider welfare reforms; Badenoch also criticised Labour’s approach and said people with conditions such as ADHD or anxiety who can work should be expected to do so.