"Working lives are for the state to influence. Unemployment makes people unhappy. So does instability"

This quote by Polly Toynbee recommends that the state has a duty to make sure that people have stable and safe working lives. She suggests that unemployment can result in distress, as it can trigger instability in individuals's lives. This instability can be triggered by a lack of financial security, in addition to a lack of purpose and direction. Toynbee is suggesting that the state ought to act to ensure that individuals have access to stable and safe and secure employment, as this can help to lower levels of misery. This could be done through supplying task training and assistance, as well as producing job opportunities. Ultimately, Toynbee is recommending that the state has an obligation to ensure that individuals have access to steady and safe employment, as this can help to decrease levels of distress.