94% would be better off working than on dole

All but 6% of Irish people are better off working than they would be on the dole — but one in seven working parents with young children are worse off.

An Economic and Social Research Institute study shows that, even after childcare, travel, and other costs, the benefits of working are greater for 94% of people.

The report, to be published today, also says income for unemployed people is not much higher than that in the UK. The comparative incomes are close when account is taken for the fact that half of unemployed people in the UK receive housing benefit.