Long-term unemployed people will be forced into forced labor or face a complete freeze on social security as part of welfare cuts announced today. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said too many people were choosing to live their lives on benefits and giving up on looking for work. But he said this must stop as he announced tough new measures to force people to rely on job centres. Those who have been unemployed for 18 months and have not been able to find a job will be forced to take part in an "internship". The Chancellor has warned that those who refuse to get involved will have their benefits stopped. The goal is to force tens of thousands of people back to work. Mr Hunt said the welfare state would always ensure those who needed support would be looked after but that it was right for the Government to ask "for something in return". He told the House of Commons: "If after 18 months of intensive support jobseekers have not found a job, we will roll out a programme requiring them to take part in a mandatory work placement to increase their skills and improve their employability. "And if they choose not to engage with the work search process for six months, we will close their case and stop their benefits." It came as Mr Hunt also announced Universal Credit and other benefit payments would rise by 6.7% next year, in line with September's inflation rate. He said this would equal an 'average increase of £470 for 5.5 million households next year'. Although controversial, this approach includes asking people who are homebound with physical and mental health problems to work from home. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on disabled and vulnerable people. Verity Kick at Oak Tree Mobility said: "We are deeply concerned about the implications of the recent clampdown on benefits announced by Jeremy Hunt. Many elderly individuals, especially those nearing retirement age, may find it increasingly difficult to secure employment due to age-related factors or market biases. Similarly, disabled individuals often face substantial barriers in the job market, including accessibility issues, health limitations, and a lack of suitable opportunities that accommodate their conditions. "The threat of losing benefits for not engaging in work search or training activities seems particularly punitive for these groups. It fails to acknowledge the complex realities they face and could lead to increased hardship and vulnerability."