Saunders and O'Kelly think these tax credits are “encouraging people to seek work” despite the state of the economy, but arguably they’re not alone. Behind the carrot dangled by George Osborne is the stick wielded by Iain Duncan Smith. The Work and Pensions minister has presided over an increase in benefits sanctions and a controversial ‘bedroom tax’, both designed to push people into getting off the state’s books. Campaigners have focused on the people who cannot jump even if they want to, such as those with long-term disabilities. But some people who could jump must have done so.