Life without a job

Original title: Een baanloos bestaan.

There is a large group of people in the Netherlands who are unemployed or on incapacity benefit. What does not working mean for them? This question is important in the light of changes in the social security system which are characterised by moves to cut the length and amount of benefits and place a stronger emphasis on the duty to work. This report analyses how non-workers perceive their situation and what they are doing to find work again. Are people who do not work socially isolated? Do they experience many financial problems? Do they want to work or have they reconciled themselves to a jobless existence?

This study follows on from an earlier SCP study which analysed the views of workers and non-workers. This made it possible to explore whether the consequences of not working for those affected have changed in recent decades.