Do you think that EU citizens should be allowed to claim Job Seekers Allowance?

Question

Hi

I am doing an essay for university on social attitudes towards EU nationals claiming benefits within the UK.
Do you think they should be allowed to?
We all have a right to freedom of movement and have rights as EU citizens, but do you agree with this policy when it extends to the welfare state. Bearing in mind we have equal rights in all other european countries to move and claim their benefits (obviously subject to certain conditions).

Thanks in anticipation!!!

Thanks noodle I was worried about that but hey there are all types in this country and its a representative view I am looking for, we should just be glad they are not the decision makers! :-)

Answer 1

I live in Germany but am British.

In my experience, an EU citizen here in Germany can claim unemployment assistance once they have contributed to the system through income tax and social security payments, after a minimum of one year.

Child benefit is payable for each child regardless of the employment status, so long as the child and parent(s) are registered as resident in Germany.

I think that economically we have to think of Europe as one entity and the countries as specialised counties. In this way, everyone who is a EU national may claim the relevant benefits as per the laws and rights proscribed by the EU member state in which they are resident. They MUST NOT be able to double up their claims, nor should they be discriminated against by the 'host' country.

For those people who shout out 'No" remember that on the whole these people bring economic advantages to their host country, so if they are contributing to the country, the country should be as prepared to support them as it would those people who are born there (many of whom contribute little or nothing to the national treasury).

Answer 2

Good luck with your essay, first of all.

I think that all benefits should be available to all EU citizens in all EU Member States PROVIDING it's a fully reciprocal arrangement. Ideally! I'm not sure it's that easy.
The Spanish are alarmed about all the Northern European pensioners who have moved to Spain - how are they going to cope with all these old people? They're not at all sure their health services can cope with these people who have never paid in but can now claim. So, it's not only the UK which has problems and overloads on its services.

Answer 3

I think that its a fair deal for all but i wish it never had happend.

Have nothing against any other countries citizen moving freely or claiming...but i dont enjoy watching the UK white male being treated less favourably eg Only Non English can receive DWP help to complete claim forms

Answer 4

I don't think any fair-minded person would have any problem with a EU-wide reciprocal arrangement.

If you require more background, journalist Adrian Goldberg researched the EU benefits system for the BBC. His website is www.thestirrer.co.uk (might have to do a search though - popular site.)

Answer 5

I worked for citizens advice a few years back and had to advise any people with an Irish passport that they were entitled to the rate of benefits in Ireland, it worked out that they were paid about 10% more in benefits than UK citizens. I don't know if it's still the case but it seems that you can claim which ever rate you choose. If a UK citizen went to Ireland they could chose to be paid the Irish rate.

Answer 6

Ok - first and foremost -asking that question here will bring unrepresentative answers because you are going to get all the ranting BNP nazis doing their usual Keep Britain British nonsense.

For what it's worth I think they should be able to claim allowance - but only after they have worked and contributed enough NI payments just as we have to in order to qualify for J.A.

Answer 7

No, if a foreign national is in England looking for work then it is his problem not the states, he should not get a job search allowance to put our own people out of work, this so called freedom of movement is getting way out of hand in a very short time, if you go to any large city in Europe now you will find Romanian " travellers " scrounging all over the place they do not even intend to look for work, the politicians have made it too easy for them, and their home states must be laughing their heads of at us,

Answer 8

That's an interesting question

Answer 9

Well, YES! You've got the argument backed-up by saying that we are legible for state benefits in other countries. Like with Like, I say!

Its completely fair that way!

EDIT: Well said, Laura!

Answer 10

If I go to Poland and claim child benefit I will be means tested. Poles come here claiming to have children back in Poland and are given child benefit. And the government wonders why we are peed off with migrants.