How Britain's benefits system broke

How Britain's benefits system broke

Author: The Times March 20, 2025 Duration: 27:43

It's predicted that, by the end of this Parliament, four million people in Britain will receive long-term sickness benefits–that’s the equivalent of losing the working-age population of Birmingham from the workforce. Columnist Fraser Nelson thinks it’s the biggest scandal in Britain today. So how did we get here? And can Labour fix it or will they leave already-vulnerable people worse off?


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: The Times & The Sunday Times columnist Fraser Nelson

Host: Luke Jones

Producer: Emily Webb

Further reading: From welfare to warfare can define Keir Starmer

Further listening: Why are so many Gen Zers not working?

Clips: BBC, Channel 4, Roman Styran / YouTube, jascow0 / YouTube

Photo: Getty


Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
Man down: Why are middle-aged men unhappy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:54
On paper, he’s a success — he’s nailed life’s goals. So why is Matt Rudd, and so many middle-aged men like him, unhappy? Guests:Matt Rudd, Deputy Editor of The Sunday Times Magazine, columnist and author of Man Down. Hos…
When the scammers came for Mum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:00
During lockdown those living alone have faced greater risk, not only to their health but also their finances. According to the Dementia Society the condition has worsened for many during the pandemic, and the isolation o…
The Covid Act: A rebellion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:59
It's been six months since MPs voted for the Coronavirus Act, a set of laws that gave the government sweeping powers over almost every aspect of daily life. Now a rebellion is brewing. Some MPs want more of a say over th…
Agent Sonya: The Soviet spy who came in from the Cotswolds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:10
She was a top Soviet spy and a colonel in the Red Army, who had plotted to kill Hitler and sent secrets from the British atomic bomb programme to Stalin. So how did Agent Sonya - or Mrs Burton to her neighbours - evade M…
RBG and what’s next for the US Supreme Court [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:01
On Friday, US Supreme court justice and 87-year old five foot pop culture icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg died. With her passing, a prized vacancy on the highest and most influential court in the US has opened up. Who is going…
Greece and Turkey: Historic rivals in a showdown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:04
Tensions between Greece and Turkey have reignited this summer over a gas dispute, with the country's leaders trading rhetorical blows. But how precarious is the situation and could they be sleep-walking into a war in the…
Salmondites v Sturgeonites: The future of Scotland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:12
A Holyrood committee investigating the Scottish government's handling of complaints against Alex Salmond has continued to make headlines. But what does it mean for the future of the SNP and Scottish Independence? Guest:…
In conversation with Kim Darroch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:37
In an event exclusively for subscribers to The Times and The Sunday Times via Times+, Kim Darroch, former UK Ambassador to the US, has a conversation with Manveen Rana.Find out more here. This podcast was brought to you…
Long covid: A young artist’s battle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:28
In the UK, 60,000 people have reported coronavirus symptoms that last more than three months. Artist Monique Jackson is one of them. What do we know about long covid, and how is the COVID Symptom Study app helping us fil…
‘Suckers’ and ‘Losers’: Trump’s war with the military [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:56
With less than 50 days until the US presidential election, Donald Trump's relationship with the US military has become strained. But how is the fallout impacting his hopes of returning to the White House?Guests: Henry Ze…