Dear Rachel Reeves: if there is no alternative to cuts, at least do them with care | Polly Toynbee

Labour ’s new deal’ employment programme was its 1997 flagship.

It offered 18- to 24-year-olds four well-organised options: a further education course, work on environmental projects or in a voluntary organisation, or a subsidised job with employers given 60 a week to take them on.

By 2002 , it could claim the virtual eradication of youth long-term unemployment.

Nearly 1 million more people are on disability benefits than pre-pandemic.

Jobs are far harsher than they once were, Prof Ben Baumberg Geiger reports.

Efficiency savings have killed off “light work” for frailer people.

Labour would face a hefty backlash if it cuts disability benefits.