I think its possibly a poor representation of those stuck on welfare, in that story only covers a partial part of the picture. There is a big push to demonise people on welfare so that the rest of society kicks up against it. I am all for welfare reform but it has to be achieved in a way where people are not penalised, not demonised and not pushed further into poverty.
What we need to understand is why people are on welfare in the first place? It can be life circumstances, lack of employment, disability and other very valid reasons. I think the other issue we have to address is the lack of purpose and the hopelessness that adds to these issues.
The argument that they are too lazy to work doesn't wash unless your math is better than mine and you can fit 149,000 odd jobs to 725,000 unemployed.
So what do we do? That is the question, how do we help people have a better life and enter the workforce. We need to break down the barriers to work force participation. We need to give our young people a hope and a future. Without decent policies it will be one big disaster.
