There is a benefit culture in this country. Something needs to be done about it,but the solution is far more complicated than just labelling all those claiming benefits scroungers. And unfortunately those who through no fault of their own find themselves unemployed are lumped in with the bad back brigade and dossers.
I would also suggest, that previous governments (And I don't see much real change from this one, just big talk) are partly to blame for the benefit culture along with the laziness of some benefit claimants. Because there have been scams to massage unemployment figures which have allowed this situation to come about.
The problem, is complicated because it is a vicious circle which to change means acknowledging several issues which politicans don't like to talk about. One is immigration. The policies of mass immigration of unskilled and low skilled people has meant extreme competition for jobs at the low end of the jobs market . Employers want good workers and want to pay them as little as they can get away with. It's all very well the middle classes talking about their taxpayers money going on dole wallahs,but it isn't their or their families job prospects that have been affected by it.
The other issue is cost of living. Do you know, even many working and middle class people cannot hold their heads about water without claiming some form of government benefit. Ask how many middle class people claim disability living allowance? Even david cameron claimed it,for his late son. And really in my opinion, everyone should be better off working, and no one should have to claim off the government for tax credits to survive. Either wages are no high enough or cost of food, utilities ,council tax, rent is too high. Why is it in these hard times, there are green taxes on our gas and electric?
The third and final issue is a social one. generations of families have never worked. I do believe it will take strong social policies to change it and induce a real work ethic. I think stopping the welfare culture is important because it in my opinion isn't healthy for a society for many people don't work. I also don't think it is healthy for individuals self esstem and respect. It doesn cause an underclass to develop and anger in the working classes. A them and us attitude.
Until we have a strong government who are prepared to tackle those three issues, and probably be extremely unpopular at all levels of society.Are prepared to be brave and endure the criticism that they are racist or have fascist ideal to want to use social enginneering to deal with a large group in society who have never worked. Nothing will change. And in my opinion, simply insulting those claiming benefits ,a government pretending to talk tough is not the answer.