ONE in 30 Brits has NEVER done a day's work in their life, shock figures reveal.
It means a staggering 1.4 million have not held down a single job.
Just under half - 600,000 - are under 25, fuelling fears of Britain's "lost generation" who could spend a lifetime on state handouts.
The Government called the Department for Work and Pensions statistics Labour's "dreadful legacy" and a "shocking waste of human talent".
There are 41 million people of working age in the UK. Of the 1.4 million without a job, around 700,000 are 25 to 49 years old. Just 100,000 are aged 50 to 64 - suggesting older people are less work-shy.
The total includes people with disabilities. But the majority is believed to be long-term unemployed, single parents on income support and NEETs - those Not In Education, Employment or Training.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: "This is a shocking waste of human talent.
"It cannot be right to leave so many people to spend their whole life on benefits without challenging and pushing them to do something better."
The figures came as MPs clashed over the coalition drive to reform the welfare system.
Yesterday Chancellor George Osborne was forced to defend Treasury plans to slash another ?4billion off the benefits bill - taking the total cuts to ?15billion.
He was summoned to the Commons by a Government MP after spilling the detail on the BBC last week.
Mr Osborne also denied an accusation by Lib Dem MP Bob Russell that he and Welfare Secretary Iain Duncan Smith have been feuding over figures in an "immature turf war".
Warning that the Government will stamp out benefits as a "lifestyle choice", Mr Osborne insisted: "The current system is not protecting those who genuinely cannot work, nor is it helping those looking for work to find a job quickly."
The State spends ?195billion every year on benefits and pensions - more than a quarter of all spending.
Last week, it also emerged that there are almost four million households across the country where no one is working.
The latest unemployment figures are out tomorrow.
It means a staggering 1.4 million have not held down a single job.
Just under half - 600,000 - are under 25, fuelling fears of Britain's "lost generation" who could spend a lifetime on state handouts.
The Government called the Department for Work and Pensions statistics Labour's "dreadful legacy" and a "shocking waste of human talent".
There are 41 million people of working age in the UK. Of the 1.4 million without a job, around 700,000 are 25 to 49 years old. Just 100,000 are aged 50 to 64 - suggesting older people are less work-shy.
The total includes people with disabilities. But the majority is believed to be long-term unemployed, single parents on income support and NEETs - those Not In Education, Employment or Training.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: "This is a shocking waste of human talent.
"It cannot be right to leave so many people to spend their whole life on benefits without challenging and pushing them to do something better."
The figures came as MPs clashed over the coalition drive to reform the welfare system.
Yesterday Chancellor George Osborne was forced to defend Treasury plans to slash another ?4billion off the benefits bill - taking the total cuts to ?15billion.
He was summoned to the Commons by a Government MP after spilling the detail on the BBC last week.
Mr Osborne also denied an accusation by Lib Dem MP Bob Russell that he and Welfare Secretary Iain Duncan Smith have been feuding over figures in an "immature turf war".
Warning that the Government will stamp out benefits as a "lifestyle choice", Mr Osborne insisted: "The current system is not protecting those who genuinely cannot work, nor is it helping those looking for work to find a job quickly."
The State spends ?195billion every year on benefits and pensions - more than a quarter of all spending.
Last week, it also emerged that there are almost four million households across the country where no one is working.
The latest unemployment figures are out tomorrow.
WARNING:
My post is for educational purposes only and should not be taken seriously
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD
My post is for educational purposes only and should not be taken seriously
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD
Comment