Teenage beneficiaries

Regardless of the reasons, everyone should be concerned that since 2000 the number of teenagers on the sickness benefit has increased by 104% and the numbers on the invalids benefits is up 44%.  In people terms this is a combined increase of 1,964 from 3,011 to 4,975.

The welfare system is there for when people need it, but it is a concern that 2,000 extra teenagers have gone onto benefits which may be long-term.  It is when you are young especially you need work experience so you can get jobs later on. Unemployment numbers have dropped which is good, but complacency is bad.

It has been suggested that depression may be a factor.  And for sure teenage depression is a real issue. But then one has to start asking why would so many more teenagers be so depressed they are unable to work? Sadly many people on the sickness benefit are drug and alcohol addicts.  Now I am not saying that is what has driven the increase, but if so then it indicates a real real problem.  Hopefully some data may become available to explain the increases, because then one can target how to reverse them.

Ruth Dyson’s attitude of “not concerned about the figures” and “hardly a change at all” doesn’t suggest she sees a need to ask any further questions.  I disagree.  She shouldn’t be defensive on this issue.  Overall the Government has an pretty good record on lowering the numbers on benefits.  But that complacent attitude to the areas where there still is a problem, isn’t helpful.