Welfare

The last month has been dominated by the parliamentary debate about welfare reform, and it has been tempting to see this as – finally – a big and public debate about poverty.

Our welfare support system has never worked that well. It hasn't helped people get back into work, it hasn't allowed them to get the training they need, and it has kept those who survive on benefits in a state of abject poverty. It is confusing and hard to navigate, both for people who rely on benefits and those who advise them. In so many ways it fails to deal with the reality of people's lives. What's more, it has not worked for employers, as it has not made it easy for people to make the transition.