Only 3% of jobless better off on the dole October 13, 2011
Posted by irishelectionliterature in Inequality.trackback
Given the recent coverage to the cost of Social Welfare, the ‘lifestyle choice’ and so on there is an interesting article in todays Examiner Only 3% of jobless better off on the dole. Its based on an ESRI report due out today.
Only 3% of unemployed people would have more money if they continued to claim social welfare than rejoining the workforce, the ESRI found.
The think-tank’s report, which will be published today, finds that the vast majority of unemployed people would see their income at least double if they took a job.The study authors have exploded the myth — created, it says, by “non-typical examples” — that most people would be better of containing to claim social welfare than taking up a job. The research shows that while the recession and the crisis in the public finances have seen unemployment rise sharply and taxes increase, this has not weakened the financial incentive to work.
“There has been concern that this combination may weaken the financial incentive to move from unemployment into employment, and selective examples have been used to support this argument,” it said.
amazing that there is a perceived necessity to do research on something like that. And I guess it won’t make any difference to stories of the high life on the dole. next up for the ESRI, an enquiry into whether having a shower really gets you wet
[...] Only 3% of jobless better off on the dole 11:49 Thu Oct 13, 2011 | irishelectionliterature [...]
How long until ISME or IBEC come out and claim that this research is proof that wages are too high and must be lowered to just above dole levels if we are to be competitive?
I’m giving good odds.
I’m surprised the ESRI published these results at all. It doesn’t exactly run contrary to their agenda, but it’s not the kind of thing they typically highlight.
[...] Only 3% of jobless better off on the dole 11:49 Thu Oct 13, 2011 | irishelectionliterature [...]
You can add to that the NESC’s report which found that the bulk of overpayments by the Department of Social Protection are errors on the Deaprtment’s fault and not fraud.
Question: are welfare fraud cases heard in camera? I was told yesterday by a tax inspector that all revenue cases are (unless they get appealed to the High Court). Curious if there is a difference in treatment for the rich and poor (again).
‘How long until ISME or IBEC come out and claim that this research is proof that wages are too high and must be lowered to just above dole levels if we are to be competitive?’
ISME guy on Matt Cooper rubbished the research, made a load of allegations re single mothers, claimed if he was on the dole he would do public works for free and was given an easy ride by Cooper. ESRI guy was excessively polite and well-mannered. Didn’t want to fight for his own research.
“ISME guy on Matt Cooper rubbished the research, made a load of allegations re single mothers, claimed if he was on the dole he would do public works for free and was given an easy ride by Cooper. ESRI guy was excessively polite and well-mannered. Didn’t want to fight for his own research.”
I don’t know who the ESRI guy was, what his poltics are, or what he actually said on the show, but your summary reminds of one of the weaknesses of the Left. We have a tendency to produce evidence showing why change is needed, and then act as if that were enough. We don’t convert that into proposals for policy, spending, or law change nearly enough.