The Future State of Welfare

Submitted by Ollie on Fri, 28/10/2011 - 1:21pm

Did anyone catch 'The future state of welfare' with John Humphrys last night?

You can watch it on iplayer:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b016ltsh/The_Future_State_of_Welfar...

I thought this was a well balanced report, that showed that there is no silver bullet to curing the UK's ailing benefits system.

I also thought it was interesting that A4e are teaching Work Programme clients how to decorate cup cakes. Unless they are going into the catering trade this would seem like a complete waste of time (or is this what is meant by a black box approach?) Seems like the clients also felt patronised by this, although I'm sure that the editing did A4e no favours.

Can anyone explain the cupcake technique - or is it just me that doesn't get this one?

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Submitted by Flossy71 on Sat, 29/10/2011 - 2:33pm.

Very interesting viewing!

Submitted by Bingle on Sat, 29/10/2011 - 4:33pm.

What did people think of the American model of workfare as shown on the Humphrys programme? It seemed rather harsh to me, and I wouldn't want to see too many soup kitchens appearing in the UK.

Submitted by Voice of WP on Sun, 30/10/2011 - 11:03am.

Oliie, never caught all of the programme but I know some "activities" may seem unconnected with job search but sometimes it is about attitude and motivation. Some people actually have to learn they need to turn up at a certain time, dress in a certain way and adhere to certain rules, thus the activities are largely irrelevent.

Flossie - I agree with the American model, needs a balance though to ensure support for those who really need it as opposed to those who abuse. If you take state handouts then why should you not put something back. As can be seen the world over there is no easy answer. Poland has very little by way of welfare support hence why so many came to the UK, not suggesting we want an exodus out of the UK but it does show that when there is no handout that people are forced to be more dependant on other solutions not the state. I fully support making people work for their benefit.

Submitted by I'm_A_Statistic on Sun, 30/10/2011 - 1:15pm.

In actual fact Poland has a very significant welfare support system.
Unemployment benefits are e192.76 per month while the national average minimum wages are e350.88 per month, I think it's probably the latter which encourages economic migration rather than our own benefits system.
Currently the polish goverment pay over 121% of that which was budgeted for unemployment support,The unemployment rate in Poland at the moment is 9.7%.

Submitted by Voice of WP on Sun, 30/10/2011 - 3:19pm.

I think you will find the rate for a single person is significantly less than you quote, if the welfare state paid you half of the average wage why would yoy wish to leave if you had no job. The programme showed 2 polish workers in the UK who stated that 4 weeks benefit in Poland is like 1 week in the UK

Submitted by Mrs Tiddlewinkle on Tue, 01/11/2011 - 11:09am.

"I fully support making people work for their benefit."

What prospective employer is ever going to give a job to someone currently working for their benefits? There is obviously something seriously wrong with that person if they have to be forced to work.

Submitted by Windy on Tue, 01/11/2011 - 10:06pm.

I think an employer would have respect for someone who contributed something whilst receiving their benefits rather than someone who didnt. As an employer who understands the reasons why genuine people are not in employment (job avail, confidence, bad luck but trying) i would be more inclined to recruit someone who had done some practical work because they were in receipt of bens rather than someone who didnt. I have to work to pay other peoples benefits therefore i see no reason why those in receipt of those benefits shouldnt do the same.

Submitted by Tyn on Tue, 01/11/2011 - 4:00pm.

I agree with Windy. There should be an expectation that the individual will receive an honest reference and they should not be expected to do more than say 3 days per week, with the rest of the time dedicated to job search. They should also receive the necessary support to overcome other barriers that they may face. But as an employer this certainly wouldn't put me off.

Submitted by I'm_A_Statistic on Mon, 07/11/2011 - 3:47pm.

Sorry Voice of WP but the figures I've quoted are from the Warsaw school of economics.
However after 3 months of entitlement, benefits are reduced to e142.50 per month.

I’m afraid you have misinterpreted what the 2 polish chaps said to quote it was in fact “you get paid for a month but only live for a week” this is an everyday reality of the vast of the recipients of welfare benefits, As soon as the money has been received it is usually gone within 24-48 hours, paying off bills or for food. Feel free to ask any of your clients how long their money last!