Skip to main content

Advertisement

Advertisement

Unemployment benefits different from welfare

I disagree with the opinions in “Many downsides to unemployment benefits” (May 15) to a large extent.

I disagree with the opinions in “Many downsides to unemployment benefits” (May 15) to a large extent.

First, it is unrealistic for the unemployed to rely only on unemployment benefits, which cannot possibly exceed the money earned in a proper job, for a prolonged period of time.

Pressure from their families would also keep them from developing a false sense of security.

Such benefits serve only to slightly relieve the financial burden on the unemployed, to help them get over their setback faster and restart their job-seeking journey.

Secondly, unemployment benefits have nothing to do with the motivation to do well in a job. With needs such as food and housing fulfilled by one’s pay, one would then, according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, work to fulfil psychological needs.

It is natural for most workers to try and foster a sense of accomplishment, whereas unemployment benefits are intended to ensure that their basic needs remain fulfilled, serving as a comforting thought for those who know they could be unemployed soon.

I acknowledge, however, the possibility of a slippery slope in that some workers or political parties may demand more benefits to the extent that some people would gain by staying unemployed.

That would upset the employed, the ones paying for such a scheme, so a government must be able to keep to its stance and not comply with such requests.

Although this is not easy, for there will always be people seeking to exploit policies and laws to reap more benefits, this should not be a reason not to implement unemployment benefits.

Precautionary measures should be taken instead, to ensure that such benefits are enough to help sustain basic needs, but not so much that there is little difference between being jobless and earning a minimum wage.

Much must be done before unemployment benefits can fulfil their purpose without being misused.

Read more of the latest in

Advertisement

Advertisement

Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.

Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.