In most cases, the disparity between employment and unemployment incomes in Belgium surpasses €500 per month, according to a study from the University of Antwerp, Het Nieuwsblad and Gazet van Antwerpen reported on Wednesday.
Increasing pay for work and combating employment pitfalls are electoral campaign themes. Parties from both north and south of the country assert that work should always provide at least €500 more than unemployment benefits.
However, according to researchers at the University of Antwerp, this is almost always the case. There are exceptions, such as unemployed individuals who only take part-time work or less, but in most cases, those on social benefits, jobseekers, individuals on long-term sick leave, and people with disabilities gain more by working.
Often, the difference is already €500 per month, the study shows. However, for people with dependants, the gap between working and not working may be less than €500.
Another consideration is the added costs associated with returning to work, such as travel expenses or child care. Moreover, those not in employment enjoy certain social benefits, such as the social tariff for energy, which may be forfeited upon gaining employment.
