Welfare should exist but only as a temporary measure. Training and wage subsidies to get people back into work as soon as possible. Welfare measures are a human capital investment. Welfare helps stabilise the economy when an economic downturn results in massive job losses, bank closures and loss of business confidence.
Full employment should be the goal of every government. Fully utilising the work force and providing opportunities for all citizens who are fit and capable of working. Education and training or military training for young people up to the age of 21 and reduce youth unemployment. Youth unemployment (15 to 21) ranges from 20% to 40% in most nations.
Only disabled people, aged people over 60 years , single parents should be able to collect social welfare pensions for prolonged periods. Government, charity groups and agencies should be willing to help unemployed people quickly get back on their feet to rejoin the work force.
High crime rates and high unemployment rates come hand in hand. The intergenerational welfare mentality needs to be addressed by governments.
Economic/business cycles impact upon employment prospects. Massive job losses are expected when businesses and banks are going out of business. Economic downturns are only temporary and things turn for the better when confidence picks up and the economy improves. Unemployment benefits provides a buffer when the economy enters a recession/downturn and helps stabilise the economy. The 1930's Great Depression of over 20% unemployment must be avoided. Keynesian cash injections help stabilise the economy.
Jobs and spending are the 2 big issues. The unfortunate thing is you have to choose. Spending, doesn't matter too much if it is government spending or consumer spending, spending generates jobs. If spending goes down, unemployment goes up. If spending goes down, unemployment goes up. Lose/lose for Democrats, win/win for Republicans.
