The situation in the UK is really complicated. It's not like people are lazy per say IMO, just that there are lots of factors at play here. High unemployment and no growth can stem from issues like mismatched skills, the impact of Brexit, with some changes in the job market since after the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people are still struggling to find suitable jobs, but that doesn't mean they don't want to work.
As for the idea of the government creating jobs and housing, it could help reduce unemployment, but it would need careful planning and investment. London seems to have a different economy altogether, with construction booming and high real estate prices. This creates a perception that people in London are working harder, but it's more about the opportunities available there compared to other parts of the UK.
The truth is every region have their own challenges that they are facing.