Nevertheless, involuntary part-time work has increased significantly and long-term and youth unemployment are at historically high levels. Long spells out of work are likely to affect durably the level of skills and career prospects of many individuals, which could lower the productive potential of the economy and increase income inequalities, which are already high by OECD standards. Universal Credit, a welfare reform that replaces a number of disparate benefits for working-age individuals by a universal benefit with a single taper rate, is a significant step forward in rationalising the benefit system and enhancing work incentives.