Removing DWP benefits could push people into crime to make ends meet, voters fear
Following the Government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper today, new polling by The Good Growth Foundation shows most Brits reject benefit cuts in favour of supporting people into work. The new think tank found 50% of the country oppose withdrawing benefits and support from those who are unemployed or economically inactive, while 49% agree that withdrawing benefits will make people more likely to resort to crime to make ends meet; just 16% disagree.
People overwhelmingly want more skills and training to increase the number of people in work.
72% support providing skills training to those who are unemployed or economically inactive.
Almost 8 in 10 (77%) support ensuring people aged 18-21 receive training, an apprenticeship or help to find work.
Respondents still supported the measures even if they cost the Government money in the short term.
Less than 10% opposed these pro-skills and training measures.
Just under two-thirds (65%) believe the Government should offer training and careers guidance to those who fail to find work, rather than remove benefits.
Providing skills training was most likely to be listed as one of people’s top 3 priorities for the Government to to increase the number of people in work.
The public is also particularly sympathetic to those out of work due to a mental or physical health condition.
71% of respondents agree that if someone is out of work due to a mental health condition, they should receive adequate mental health support before they are required to look for work.
More than two-thirds (68%) believe that if a disabled person cannot work because of their disability, the Government should provide tailored support such as workplace adjustments to enable them to get a job.
Half the country supports Labour’s manifesto commitment to allow those on disability welfare payments to try work without reducing their allowance, even if it means people with disabilities may receive higher benefits than non-disabled people.
53% believe tailored mental and physical health support, like physical therapy and counselling, should be provided to those who are unemployed.
Only 16% oppose such policies.
The findings show that most Brits are wary of withdrawing people’s benefits.
53% agree that benefits should not be removed from those who fail to find work and have children or caring responsibilities.
Nearly half (49%) of people think that withdrawing benefits will likely mean people resort to crime to make ends meet.
However, there is division over what to do if someone out of work has turned down a job offer. 31% believe they should not have their benefits withdrawn, while 38% believe that they should.
32% of respondents - largely Conservative and Reform voters - support withdrawing benefits and support to push unemployed people to find employment.
Greater in-work benefits, like tax credits, are not on the cards for the Government’s White Paper. These could ensure low paid work pays more than unemployment benefits. However, 63% of the public would support such a move and the policy was the most likely to be ranked as the top priority that the Government should have to increase the number of people in work.
Praful Nargund, The Director of The Good Growth Foundation, said: “Our research shows that the British public is much more sympathetic to those on benefits than is often thought within Westminster. There is widespread support for measures which enable people to get into work, especially for improving access to skills and training. On the whole, Brits don't want to see benefits withdrawn, they want to see a system that gives people the resources they need to get back on their feet.”
Notes to Editors
Polling Data
Polling was conducted by Opinium.
Fieldwork: 20-22 November 2024
Sample size: 2,048
Weighting: Weighted to be nationally and politically representative.
About the Good Growth Foundation
The Good Growth Foundation (GGF) is a think tank that campaigns for a fairer economy, so growth can work for good. Following the UK’s lost decade of growth, we campaign and conduct research to advocate for economic growth that will reduce inequality and open access to opportunity for people of all backgrounds.
GGF was founded by Praful Nargund, who ran as the Labour parliamentary candidate in Islington North in the 2024 General Election and sat on Labour’s Council of Skills Advisors, where he shaped education policy. The chair of our Advisory Board, Tim Allan, is a former Downing Street advisor to Tony Blair and the founder of Portland Communications.
Contact
The GGF press office can be reached via email at contact@goodgrowthfoundation.co.uk.
