Does half the UK get more in benefits than they pay in tax?
UK benefits, Zack Polanski’s billionaire claim, Gen Z job interviews and super sharp pensioners.
Tim Harford investigates some of the numbers in the news. This week:
The Daily Mail says that over half of the UK population live in households that get more in benefits than they pay in tax - is it true?
Do some billionaires earn more in a night than the population of Bournemouth earns in a year? New Green leader Zack Polanski seems to think so - we scrutinise the figures.
Are older generations getting smarter?
Have 77% of Gen-Z brought a parent along to a job interview? Really?
If you’ve seen a number you think we should take a look at, email the team: [email protected]
Presenter: Tim Harford
Reporter: Lizzy McNeill
Producer: Nathan Gower
Series producer: Tom Colls
Production co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele
Sound mix: Duncan Hannant
Editor: Richard Vadon
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Broadcasts
- Wed 8 Oct 202509:00BBC Radio 4
- Thu 9 Oct 202505:04BBC Radio 4
- Fri 10 Oct 202516:30BBC Radio 4
Unlock the history and truth behind the data with The OU
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