MORE than three-quarters of people in Scotland believe employees claiming benefits work hard but wages cannot cover their living costs, according to a new survey.
A total of 77% of respondents to a YouGov poll for Citizens Advice Scotland gave this response when questioned on the reasons for claiming benefits, with the organisation saying the research “busts a series of myths” around attitudes to social security.
One in six (59%) polled said they need extra to look after themselves or family members due to expenses such as illness or childcare.
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Just over a third (36%) believe claimants have been unlucky with their circumstances, such as accruing unexpected debts.
Almost a fifth (18%) believe benefits claimants “are lazy and don’t want to work more than they currently do”.
The survey of 1012 adults also found that three-quarters of people (75%) agreed workers on benefits work just as hard as anyone else and 69% agreed there should be more help for people to claim what they are entitled to.
The survey results have been released ahead of Citizens Advice Scotland launching a new campaign tomorrow, aimed at encouraging people to get a financial health check through the organisation to ensure they are receiving payments for which they qualify.
Citizens Advice Scotland chief executive Derek Mitchell said: “This polling busts a series of myths around social security and shows that the vast majority of people believe that our welfare state is there to help workers who need a hand, especially as the cost of living is soaring while wages have remained broadly the same.
“People should be claiming what they are due. That’s how the system works, we all pay in and get support when we need it.”
The research also revealed that more than half (55%) believe people who rely on social security are in that situation through no fault of their own, and that 80% felt cutting welfare payments would have a negative effect on the lives of many.
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