National salary insurance: Reforming the welfare state to provide real protection
Article
Over the last few decades, support for the welfare state has been undermined by a pincer movement of attacks. It has come to be seen both to reward people who do the wrong thing and to let down those who do the right thing. In short, it is thought to be not demanding enough of people who don't work and not protective enough of those who do.
In response, successive governments have increased conditionality for those on benefits. This has strengthened the idea of mutual obligation, while also increasing people's engagement with the world of work (improving their chances of finding a job). But these reforms have done nothing to address the concern that the welfare state does not provide real protection, when it is needed most, for people who have contributed into the system.
Related items
Dr Parth Patel on BBC Politics Live - July 2024
IPPR's Dr Parth Patel on BBC Politics Live discussing the new Labour government, Covid, migration and international affairsA ‘mandate’ to deliver: Who voted Labour and what do they want?
This year’s general election saw the Labour party achieve a historic landslide, winning 218 new seats and a comfortable majority in the House of Commons.Half of us: Turnout patterns at the 2024 general election
One-half of adults in this country voted at the 2024 general election, the lowest share of the population to vote since universal suffrage.