A feature article on the impending loss of ‘food stamps’ for those living in poverty in the United States cites the WelCond project’s evidence from the UK.

Abby Vesoulis’ feature ‘I Think People Will Starve.’ Experts Are Worried About the Hundreds of Thousands Who Could Lose Food Stamps Come April says 700,000 people could lose this vital part of the US social security system. In addition, new proposals would see work requirements extended from those up to age 49 to people up to 65.

The article goes on to explore the question of whether linking social security eligibility to work requirements is effective. It cites our WelCond project’s findings that mandatory requirements are not effective and actually create many negative effects including some people turning to ‘survival crime’.

WelCond Co-Investigator Prof Suzanne Fitzpatrick from Heriot-Watt University added: ‘There is certainly an impact on how many people claim benefits, but that’s not at all the same as saying you’ve moved people into work. Often, what you’ve done is just make them destitute, or dependent on other, more problematic ways of getting by.’