The OP is clearly using hyperbole. But only 1% of the welfare bill goes on unemployment benefits, so even if absolutely everyone on unemployment benefits is cheating and you cut them off, you don’t save much. In reality the majority of people on unemployment benefits are not cheating the system - a system that already sanctions the unemployed for not actively seeking work.
There is more to it than the budget. It’s a cultural thing. People become comfortable being on benefits. And I’m not just talking job seekers, I’m talking about the long term “sick” many of whom I personally believe are exaggerating their symptoms.
I don’t think just giving people a bit of cash every week that they can blow on drugs or booze is necessarily the best use of resources, nor is it even beginning to scratch the surface of the wider social issues.
The OP is clearly using hyperbole. But only 1% of the welfare bill goes on unemployment benefits, so even if absolutely everyone on unemployment benefits is cheating and you cut them off, you don’t save much. In reality the majority of people on unemployment benefits are not cheating the system - a system that already sanctions the unemployed for not actively seeking work.
There is more to it than the budget. It’s a cultural thing. People become comfortable being on benefits. And I’m not just talking job seekers, I’m talking about the long term “sick” many of whom I personally believe are exaggerating their symptoms.
I don’t think just giving people a bit of cash every week that they can blow on drugs or booze is necessarily the best use of resources, nor is it even beginning to scratch the surface of the wider social issues.