Iain Duncan Smith says the gap is even wider if you go back five years: people on out of work benefits have seen their incomes rise by 20% over that period, while average earnings have risen by 12%.

BBC: Fairness and the welfare bill

He thought that because of the rise of postmodern irony the durable street rackets and shady back-room dealing had gone out of style.

NEWYORKER: Great Experiment