There's a programme on tv tonight (UK) where a member of parliament is talking to people like this. As a full time worker since leaving school in the '70s, I'll be sure to watch it.
2007-08-22 04:03:38 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in News & Events ➔ Media & Journalism
I live in the Appalachian part of the USA and there are loads of people like that here.
Edit:
And no, I'm not one of them.
2007-08-22 06:44:39 · answer #1 · answered by CharJ, 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Unfortunately, where I live there are a huge amount of people who live off benefits, when there is no real reason for them to do so. I don't think that this means the system should be scrapped though, I've been on benefits before and I cannot state that I will never be on them again, but as far as I'm concerned, benefits are there as a "mattress" to stop you hitting rock bottom, not a lifetime excuse for not finding a job.
They should crack down much harder on those who claim jobseekers long term, there should be a 3 or 6 month limit. I don't know why they don't enforce it more. There is a family who live opposite me who have just had their fourth child, neither one of the parents work at all. I have no objection to one parent staying at home with the kids, but why shouldn't the other one work?
My Husband works full time, and I am a full time Mum at the moment, we get no benefits at all. (We should be getting tax credits but they stopped ours two years ago and have been trying to get £2000 back from us since) I have become an expert at budgeting now, and we live on an average of £250 a week. (2 adults and 2 children)
Edit: I do agree with lemonpie too. Yes, there are a lot of people who abuse the benefits system, but there are also plenty of people who earn huge amounts of money, (footballers, anyone?), who pay (relatively) tiny amounts of tax etc.
2007-08-22 11:35:54 · answer #2 · answered by lululaluau 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
The thing is,this government makes it so easy for people to live off the state.It make my blood fizz that every day that i am at work,i have to firstly think about childcare arrangements(the 6weeks hols are just a complete mare!!),then i pay to get to work,then i am taxed while i am at work,and yet certain people in my area don't work and claim every handout going.They are given free driving lessons,money to attend interviews,they have even been given money to buy new clothes for said interview!!!What on earth is that all about?!!!!
2007-08-22 15:08:26 · answer #3 · answered by glitter 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have been on benefits for 7 years as i keep getting cancer. However, this has NOT stopped me from doing voluntary work. You also have to look at the Government too. I HATE being not able to work for a living, as it is demeaning. I know it will be difficult getting a job here in Scotland, However, if people try hard enough and are not too fussy, then they will get back on to that ladder. I am looking to fill shelves. I have a First Class Degree in English and Philosophy.
2007-08-22 11:15:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 10⤊ 1⤋
The thing is who can really blame them?
I know people who have kids and if they worked full time they would only be £20 better off than not working. Would you really go to work every day for 8 hours for £20. I don't think so.
Maybe they should reduce the benefits, then people would be forced to go to work.
2007-08-22 12:33:46 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ Mummy ♥ 5 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I know loads of people who make that choice. It makes me so angry because my husband and I work so flippin' hard so we can put our own roof over our head and get what we get without claiming anything. Then you get people like that who not only choose not to work, they get everything free as well. Then the mugs like us have to pay full whack at the dentist etc. It doesn't seem fair somehow that I (having worked since I was fifteen, only stopping for 18 months to have my baby) have to think twice before going to the dentist because of the money!
This is the one subject that gets me to boiling point!
I cannot wait to see this programme.
2007-08-22 11:27:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
It's been a long time since I associated with dole scroungers, but I do know a couple of people who are on disability benefits. One of them is my brother and I know he'd like to come off them, but he's in a bit of a trap as, with his qualifications and work history, he couldn't get a job that would pay the rent on his pokey little bedsit let alone give him a higher quality of life.
2007-08-22 12:31:26 · answer #7 · answered by Skidoo 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes I know loads. I worked in the Jobcentre for 13 years and dealt with them on a daily basis. I got sick to the back teeth of it in the end and quit. I work in a school now - much more rewarding!
2007-08-22 13:35:26 · answer #8 · answered by hms638 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I too am watching this tonight - I did an extra job - nights in a bookies - and there was a guy who came in every day, never worked in his life, and taught his sons how to work the system...an utter disgrace...but that was the days prior to benefit fraud being a big deal!
2007-08-22 11:16:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
In the area I live in (northeast USA), there's an awful lot of this going around. People who live off the state; some who truly need it, most just because the state makes it easy for people to be too lazy to do for themselves. Or at least try to do for themselves. It's really sickening to see all those who live off the state, because people who don't at least try to take care of themselves becomes a pain in the butt to the rest of society...
2007-08-22 11:16:00 · answer #10 · answered by tramps3 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I work in Annapolis, MD USA in the government sector. and a few blocks away are housing issued by the government. well turns out there are people who have been living there for YEARS!
2007-08-22 16:05:17 · answer #11 · answered by Random Black Woman 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋