Short term unemployed get more help and attention to try get them back to work, before they fall in the long term category, in this one they lose hope, give up, or decide they cant get work that makes them any better off financially, by the time they turn long term, they have learnt all about the system and how to use it to their advantage, the powers that be give up on them too.

Short term unemployed dont know the ropes, and dont get offered the information that the long term have learnt, therefore they miss out on much needed help.

When I got ill, on one hand they said I'm fit enough to sign on and end disability, the other hand told me I'm not fit to work, so you dont need to look for work, or come in to sign on, and so you will receive unemployment benefit, instead of disability. Genuine willing to work unemployed persons, do not get the real help they need