Reeves talks of 'contribution' ahead of youth jobs pledge

RACHEL Reeves will make the case for a society founded on “contribution” as she unveils plans for a “youth guarantee” aimed at driving down unemployment.

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The Chancellor was expected to say Britain must build on the principle of doing “our duty for each other” and “hard work matched by fair reward”, in a speech to Labour's party conference.

Under plans to be announced today, every young person who has received universal credit (UC) benefits for 18 months without “earning or learning” will be guaranteed an offer of paid work.

Claimants will face sanctions such as losing their benefits if they refuse to take up jobs under the scheme, the PA news agency understands.