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ACADEMICS dealt a blow to the myth that people live on benefits as a “lifestyle choice” yesterday.
University of Leeds researchers interviewed 22 locals — made up of young people, disabled people and single parents — three times between 2011 and 2013.
They exposed a catalogue of suffering and frustration by those on benefits and a clear desire to find work.
One parent told them: “You’re just existing, not living. That’s all you’re doing. You’re just another number, you’re not a person.”
Another said: “Scrimping and saving. It’s horrible.”
“The main thing I want to change about my current situation is to get off benefits and go and get a job,” said a third.
Leeds University expert Ruth Patrick said: “This research is yet another challenge to the myth that benefit claimants are lazy and unwilling to work.”
“It also shows that the prevailing narrative about ‘welfare’ only serves to stigmatise and exclude out-of-work benefit claimants, who frequently want to work, and are often already contributing to society as carers and volunteers.”
