Publications

Mythbusters: Strivers vs Skivers

"The workless are worthless"


Politicians and commentators would have us believe that only people in paid jobs are hard-working and make a valuable contribution to society. People claiming out-of-work benefits are lazy and worthless; they choose a life of leisure and get something for nothing’.

This Mythbuster reveals the reality behind the rhetoric. Only a tiny minority of claimants are able but unwilling to work. A much bigger share of the social security budget goes towards subsidising low wages through in-work benefits. Far from skiving’, most people who are not in paid work are making an extremely valuable contribution through a range of unpaid activities – without which the whole of our society, including the formal economy, would collapse.

If you value great public services, protecting the planet and reducing inequality, please support NEF today.


Make a one-off donation

£5 £10 £25 £50 £100
£

Make a monthly donation

£3 £5 £10 £25 £100
£