A tax break for the over-fifties is a terrible idea

Downing Street’s latest initiative to boost the workforce is a curious mix of good and bad ideas. In the past week Sunak has said he wants to reform the benefits system to get more disabled people into work. But he has also floated the idea of scrapping income tax for the over-fifties. And by combining largely sensible policies on workers with disabilities with an ill-thought-out plan to get the over-fifties back into work, he risks undermining his party’s image .  

The Prime Minister is right to want to get Britain back to work. There is a labour shortage and a chunk of waiting workers that could be unlocked with the right incentives. Getting people into paid work would be good for the economy and potentially good for them too. This is why the first aspect of Sunak’s plan is worth considering.  

For those with disabilities, the government is proposing a radical shift in attitude.