The extra number of long-term sick who struggle to work is predicted to go above a million over the next two years.
The small print of the Office for Budget Responsibility report published alongside Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ’s Autumn Statement shows the bill for more sickness and disability benefits will cost £7.5billion a year.
The 1.1million increase by 2026 will take the number registered as unable to work to a record high of 3.5million.
But Labour says they could find jobs if they had the right help.
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: “The Tories have crashed the economy, allowed NHS waiting lists to soar and are now failing to support people into work."
He added: “When we know so many of them want help returning to work it’s unacceptable to write them off.”
Labour is promising job centre reform to offer personalised support, help for over 50s to get back into the jobs market, and targeted programmes for those with long term ill-health.
Mr Hunt said 600,000 more long-term sick will be invited for interviews with job coaches.
