THERE HAS been much discussion about the introduction of the benefits cap which is this week being rolled out across the country.

According to some polls the majority of taxpayers back the cap and, if radio phone-in shows are anything to go by, there has been a distinct hardening of attitude towards people who claim benefits.

This is perhaps understandable in severe economic times when those not in receipt of benefits are struggling financially themselves.

But, it could also be the result of an on-going campaign by the coalition government to drive home the message that people on benefits would rather stay on them, than work.

And in our view this is far too simplistic. It also fails to take account of the fact that many people claiming benefits are already working.

We are in no doubt that there are some people who do abuse the system, and they should be tackled.

But there are also an awful lot of people who do not yet they are being tarred with the same brush.

Introducing a cap is an easy headline grabber but it does not really solve many of the underlying problems.

Many people are out of work at the moment through no fault of their own, thousands of jobs have been lost in both private and public sectors, or they are living in communities where jobs are scarce.