Labour leader Keir Starmer has emphasized the importance of helping individuals on long-term sickness leave return to work, stating that there should be increased support for those transitioning back into employment. He expressed his commitment to addressing worklessness, asserting that people who have been on long-term sick leave and receiving benefits should seek to re-enter the workforce "where they can." Starmer highlighted the need for more initiatives nationwide aimed at assisting those recovering from long-term illness to find jobs. He believes in the fundamental idea that individuals should actively look for work as part of their recovery and reintegration into society.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has criticized what he describes as "scaremongering" regarding Labour's upcoming overhaul of workers' rights. He asserts that many of the alarming headlines surrounding the planned employment bill are "pretty obviously wrong." In an exclusive interview, Reynolds emphasized that Labour's proposed legislation, set to be introduced next month, aims to significantly enhance protections for workers, particularly benefiting pregnant women and bereaved parents. He highlighted that the new measures would provide stronger safeguards for pregnant employees and initiate consultations on a more generous and modernized parental leave system. Reynolds expressed confidence that these changes would have a transformative impact on the lives of many workers.