Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham says asylum seekers should not be kept “in limbo” while their cases are being assessed and argues they should be given a pathway to work. In his comments, he suggests that a right to work or a “route to work” could be introduced during the period when claims are under consideration. The proposal is presented alongside concerns raised by critics that granting work rights could make the UK a more attractive destination, potentially increasing the number of migrants arriving by small boats. Sources also report that the debate centers on balancing humanitarian and practical considerations for people awaiting decisions against the potential impact on migration levels. Burnham’s position is framed as a policy direction for how claims should be handled during processing, rather than as a comment on the outcome of individual asylum applications. The reporting reflects an ongoing UK political dispute over asylum policy, including how quickly claims are decided and what conditions are imposed while applicants wait for decisions.