Benefits review?

Question

The Govenment have announced that they are going to have a radical review of the benefits system, and basically state that some of the people currently claiming benefits are going to be forced into work....even if it means sweeping the streets, and scrubbing graffiti off buildings.....and on the same day, a report states that we are fast heading for a recession, and there are going to be a great deal of job losses, does that mean that the U.K. is going to be a nation of road sweepers and cleaners?

Answer 1

I cannot believe this is even being considered. If a job needs doing then you should be paid the going rate for that job.

I fail to see how this differs from inhumane Victorian attitudes were to be poor or disadvantaged was a crime. JSA is supposed to be a short term benefit and for the vast majority of people it is. The very people who everyone thinks is 'sponging' won't be effected by this, they are simply too clever. Whereas the deserving and vulnerable will be sweeping streets whilst criminals will be sitting in their cells with colour t.vs.

I hope to God no-one posting on here baying for blood calling benefit claimants ' spongers' EVER gets to know what losing your job and NEEDING to claim feels like.

It is part of a humane and civilised society to care for it's members in times of need. £52 PW JSA is not 'money for nothing'.

I'm sure the tax breaks and scams carried out by the wealthier parts of society cost Joe Public a d**n site more.

Answer 2

Big on words, small on action. The area used in the television programs are areas of very high unemployment or very low paid jobs. I do not want to moralise but if a man can feed his family by being on the dole etc. and can not feed his family by working and losing benefits , what real choice does he have. He could of course leave home to find work bur again he may well be worse off. A far closer study is needed than a knee jerk shout to improve governments standing. So although I think they may be on the right lines I think they also need to look at the actual situation more clearly and in greater depth. Before anyone starts I never had a days unemployment from the day I left school until I retired. Especially in Liverpool I was very lucky indeed.

Answer 3

It doenst matter if they are road sweepers and cleaners - at least they are not sponging off me anymore.

Answer 4

They should be made to work in charity shops, help at an old age home etc - stuff that actually helps out the community. Benefit culture is what creates the people you see on the Jeremy Kyle Show - not good. Did you know that benefit claimants get free cars and new kitchens on the taxpayers? That makes my blood boil. I work full time and have done for 22 years. I can bearly afford my studio flat!!! grrrr.

Answer 5

Do you honestly think that some of these lazy louts who have never done a day's work in their lives, are going to take any notice of any new ruling regarding their handouts - in a pig's eye!!!

Answer 6

prudence is spot on

what about the current road sweepers and cleaners will they have to fight to keep their jobs

the real spongers will continue to sponge , the easy targets will be exploited

i go to the job centre as i have just finished a course and there is a lot of young people desperately searching for jobs , making telephone calls and trying to find work. we need to look at why we have such high  employment figures and bring some jobs back to Britain

Answer 7

They should be forced to work but for a fair wage not just for benefits or that would amount to slavery.  And this does not mean £3.40, £4.60 and £5.52 per hour which is no way a fair wage especially with high costs of living.  It's funny that this comes a day after the new directive on making the disabled work.  So watch out for those wheelchairs scrubbing your mess you are all making.  Maybe it's because no one is taking the minimum wage cleaning jobs that are on offer.   Sounds something from the 1930's.  They are just after vote winners from the middle and upper classes (the voting classes) that enjoy their comfy living.