‘Make them work in care homes!’ Andrew Pierce sends firm message to jobless youngsters as benefits bill soars

"We've got 1.5 million people unemployed," Pierce said on GB News. "Make them work. They take the jobs or you don't get benefits."

He specifically targeted young jobseekers, arguing that care home work would be "just the job for them" and would "do them the world of good."

The comments came during a discussion about the sector's reliance on migrant workers.

Pierce's comments come as Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledges to tackle what he calls "the bulging benefits bill blighting our society."

Official forecasts show the number of people claiming incapacity benefits is expected to rise dramatically from 2.5 million in 2019 to 4.2 million by 2029.

Much of this increase is attributed to mental health conditions, which now account for more than a third of all disability claims.

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The total welfare bill currently stands at £137 billion for working-age people, including £90 billion for disability and £35 billion for housing benefit.

The cost to taxpayers for ADHD claims alone has surged from £700,000 in 2013 to £292 million today.

Fellow GB News presenter Bev Turner challenged Pierce's suggestion, highlighting potential issues with his proposal.

"Those unemployed are predominantly boys, men between the ages of 18-24. They are not going to go and work in a care home," Turner argued.

Pierce remained adamant, dismissing her concerns about the suitability of young men for care work.

Turner further contested the practicality of the suggestion, stating: "The jobs we need filling is not working with those who aren't going to work."

The exchange highlighted differing views on addressing both unemployment and care sector staffing shortages.

The government is set to announce new measures to address welfare and employment challenges this week.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall will unveil a package of legislation aimed at "getting Britain working."

The reforms will include placing work coaches in mental health clinics and introducing a "youth guarantee" for those aged 18-21 to ensure they are working or studying.

Labour's plans also involve giving the NHS a role in getting people back to work, including employing economically inactive individuals in non-clinical roles.

However, the Conservative Party has dismissed Labour's proposals as "hollow promises," claiming the government "has no clue what is needed to get people off benefits and back into work."