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Episode details

Radio 4,17 Sep 2025,29 mins

Is it true that out-of-work benefits have almost doubled?

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Tim Harford investigates some of the numbers in the news. This week: Nigel Farage says 6.5 million people are on out-of-work benefits – with some benefits up 80% since 2018. Are those numbers right? Do French pensioners really earn more than their working-age compatriots? How is it possible for one kilogram of fish food to produce one kilogram of salmon? And do we really have five senses? 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: Nicholas Barrett Series producer: Tom Colls Production co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound mix: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon

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