HOW MUCH MORE!? (Happy slapping)

I think there is logic in this. Benefits should be first a safety net as you say.

Trouble is, ideas like this work best when there is a surplus of jobs, not people. Now that real jobs are disappearing fast from the UK PLC, the remaining vacancies outside the SE are mainly:

'Rocket scientist wanted, paid in peanuts, must have 20 years experience, a PHD, and some daft NVQ diploma they invented 6 months ago..'

The hurdles are way too large for many people.