![An image of a spreadsheet with a calculator](/sites/default/files/styles/full_height_banner/public/2022-08/spreadsheet-with-calculator.jpg?itok=p5PjenxO)
This episode looks at how COVID-19 has impacted the UK’s welfare system and what might happen to benefits in future.
Listen now: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Acast | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS
There has been significant analysis of the furlough scheme in the wake of COVID-19, but far less attention has been paid to the welfare system and how benefits are being affected by the pandemic.
The temporary increases to working age benefits implemented this year take total welfare spending to record levels, though the UK’s support system is still thin by international standards.
This episode, we speak to Robert Joyce, IFS Deputy Director and Head of our Income, Work and Welfare sector, about how COVID-19 has impacted the UK’s welfare system and what might happen to benefits in future.
Related content
Host
![Paul Johnson](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2022-11/Paul%20J%202022%20Official%20portrait_0.jpg?itok=JAN23N1X)
Director
Paul has been the Director of the IFS since 2011. He is also currently visiting professor in the Department of Economics at University College London.
Participants
![Robert Joyce](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2022-06/Rob_Joyce.jpg?itok=4UaBJrrb)
Deputy Director
Robert is a Deputy Director. His work focuses on primarily on the labour market, income and wealth inequality, and the design of the welfare system.
Podcast details
- Publisher
- IFS
More from IFS
Understand this issue
![Microphone](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2024-06/Microphone.jpg?itok=soM7Wvbz)
Election Special: Your questions answered
27 June 2024
![Tom Waters](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2024-06/tom%20waters.jpg?itok=faDtwS3F)
What is the two-child limit in benefits?
27 June 2024
![Kier Starmer](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2024-06/Lab1.jpg?itok=43eIsvgM)
Election Special: The Labour manifesto explained
14 June 2024
Policy analysis
![Polling station](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2024-06/Polling-station-school.jpg?itok=uS-l6b-1)
What are the parties’ plans for benefits and taxes?
24 June 2024
![Welsh town with mountains behind](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2024-06/Welsh-town-feature.jpg?itok=5axb5wZn)
How would the parties’ tax and spending plans affect Scotland and Wales?
28 June 2024
![Mother with sons](/sites/default/files/styles/square_desktop/public/2024-06/Mother-with-sons.jpg?itok=YhJmjOrZ)
The two-child limit: poverty, incentives and cost
17 June 2024
Academic research
![Working Paper Cover](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/2024-06/WP202427-The-impact-of-flexibility-at-work-on-fertility_Page_01.jpg?itok=pHaEvbkK)
The impact of flexibility at work on fertility
11 June 2024
![Working Paper Cover](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/2024-04/WP202415-Parental-beliefs-perceived-health-risks-and-time-investment-in-children_Page_01.jpg?itok=uLSauZ9q)
Parental beliefs, perceived health risks, and time investment in children
15 April 2024
![Working paper cover](/sites/default/files/styles/portrait/public/2024-03/WP202405-The-menopause-penalty.jpg?itok=EMllthlH)
The menopause "penalty"
18 March 2024