York Outer MP Luke Charters was one of 36 signatories to the "Get Britain Working Group"
which penned an open letter to the secretary of state for work and pensions, Liz Kendall, ahead of her proposed reforms to the benefit system.
"Almost three million people cannot work because of poor health. We are the only country in the G7 where inactivity remains above pre-covid levels," the letter said. "More than one in eight 16-24 year-olds are not in education, employment, or training. Employment levels among disabled people remain 30 per cent below those without a disability."
The letter added that the current benefits system "often acts as a barrier against finding work".
"Everyone who is capable of working deserves the security, dignity and agency that employment offers," it said. "Of course, there are some people who are not able to work and they must be treated with compassion and respect."
The backbenchers then went on to support the government's proposals, calling on it to reform the "broken system"
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