Milburn warns young benefit claimants can stay out of work for years

What was said

"If you get a health and disability benefit today as a young person, you stand a 50% chance in 15 years time of still being on that benefit, still being unemployed."

Alan Milburn argues that some young people who move onto health and disability benefits while awaiting diagnosis and treatment can struggle to return to work. He cites a figure he says suggests a 50% chance a young claimant will still be on the benefit and unemployed 15 years later.