[tsotha]

The article says they have to be looking for paid work. I assume that means keeping a log of where you went and applied?

I know a lot of people who just wouldn't work if they could draw benefits like that. Hell, I might retire myself.

[grecy]

Yep, you must keep a log, and submit x number of job applications per month.

I know of houses full of 20 somethings who intentionally fill out applications left handed with spelling mistakes so they never get a job and can surf all day.

The amount of money is enough to live on, but you won't be really doing any leisure activities, so it gets old pretty fast for anyone that's motivated. For the unmotivated, it keeps them fed, clothed and sheltered, and stops them resorting to crime, so I think it's a good thing.

[marvin]

Norway does more or less the same. I like the system. A living wage would be more fair, but it's still a very nice way of preventing that people fall outside the system.

[nness]

The challenge is that, after a certain period, additional training becomes a requirement of continued payment. So, if you're 20-something and been out of work for 6 months, they'll require you receive training and qualifications if you want payments to continue. A "Certificate 3\4 in Business administration", for example.

The training is a covered cost, so its not out-of-pocket for the unemployed. I think it is a good method of helping reduce structural unemployment, as most of the cyclical unemployed are likely to find work before the training requirement kicks in anyway.