New government data has revealed that the number of individuals classified as having “Limited Capability for Work Related Activity” (LCWRA) in the United Kingdom has soared to 1.8 million.
This classification, which applies to Universal Credit recipients deemed too ill or disabled to work, has seen a sharp increase, contributing to rising economic inactivity.
According to figures published last Thursday, the number of people in the LCWRA category has grown by 383% since 2020, when only 360,000 individuals were classified under it.
In just the past year, the figure jumped from 1.4 million to 1.8 million.
Officials have attributed part of this rise to flaws in the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) system, which the government now plans to reform.
Once placed in this category, individuals receive minimal employment support, effectively keeping them out of the workforce.
Young people have been particularly impacted, with the number of 16 to 24-year-olds classified under LCWRA rising from 46,000 before the pandemic to 160,000—a 249% increase.
This reflects a growing issue of young people being disconnected from work and education, with nearly a million currently not engaged in either.
In response, the UK government has introduced a Youth Guarantee initiative, aimed at ensuring access to work, education, or training opportunities for young people.
Additionally, broader welfare reforms are being planned to reduce economic inactivity, including granting local mayors more authority to address employment challenges, modernizing Jobcentres, and providing targeted support.
Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, emphasized the urgency of reforming the benefits system, stating that the current structure has failed those who wish to work but lack the necessary support.
Criticism has also been directed at the rigid classification of individuals as either fit or unfit to work, with reports suggesting that some claimants feel pressured to declare themselves incapable in order to receive financial aid.
Government data shows that 67% of Universal Credit recipients assessed over the past five years were placed in the LCWRA category.
To address these challenges, the UK government has allocated £26 billion to improve NHS services and reduce healthcare waiting times, while £250 million has been invested in the “Get Britain Working” initiative.
This includes deploying 1,000 Work Coaches to assist 65,000 sick and disabled individuals in finding employment.
Despite these efforts, economic inactivity in the UK remains higher than pre-pandemic levels—an issue unique among G7 nations.
With 70% of the recent surge in LCWRA cases being unforeseen, the success of the government’s proposed reforms will be closely watched in the coming months.