‘Make welfare state reward hard work’

TWO thirds of Britons believe the welfare system is unfair, says a study.

It revealed people think the system does not do enough to recognise hard work or prudence, and also fails to adequately support people who cannot provide for themselves.

More than half (55 per cent) of those surveyed also backed paying higher benefits to claimants who have worked and contributed to the system for longer. And six out of 10 said the rule that disqualifies people from receiving benefits if they have too much in savings was unfair.

There is also concern benefits are not high enough. Between September 2018 and February 2021 there was a 16-point swing in favour of the idea that benefits are too low, with 71 per cent of people saying someone with a 20-year record of contribution should receive “at least as much as a minimum wage job”.

The research was carried out by Yougov for the Centre for Policy Studies and Public First. The Centre proposes that people with a record of work should receive a one-year boost to their Universal Credit of £5 a week for every five years worked.

Centre director Robert Colvile said: “Over many decades, that central Beveridge principle of benefit in return for contributions has been eroded almost out of existence.

“We don’t need to rip up the welfare system and start again.

“Rather, we need to do what almost every other developed country does, and reintroduce a clear link between contribution and reward, and a clearer sense of fairness – while still protecting the most vulnerable.”

The report comes amid calls to maintain the £20 rise to Universal Credit introduced in the pandemic.

Jonathan Dupont, co-author at Public First, said: “For a generous welfare state to be sustainable it has to be seen by the public as fair.”

Under existing rules, if a claimant and partner have capital of more than £16,000 – including savings – they cannot get Universal Credit.

A Government spokesman said: “Universal Credit offers a vital safety net to millions, enabling claimants to support themselves and their families while building towards financial independence through work.

“It is right that those with significant savings draw on these before relying on Government support.”