Welfare delays - More must be done

THE number of people losing their jobs continues to rise and has passed 300,000. It is feared that this figure will continue to grow in the immediate future.

The cost to the Exchequer will be tremendous but the cost to individuals’ self-esteem may be equally high.

Many of these people will never have been out of work before and have obligations to banks and other lenders.

Many will have a family to support, so it is important that they get the State support they are entitled to as quickly as is possible.

In some parts of the country it takes three months before social welfare benefits are paid. Though efforts are being made to address this, more must be done.

In an age of touch-button communications, no one should have to wait that long, especially at such a vulnerable and chastening time.