Quote:
Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington
We, in this country, pay benefits to people who have not paid a penny into the system.
This needs to stop. In most countries if you emigrate you have to have enough funds to support yourself for a period of time and you are not entitled to benefits unless you have contributed.
And while I don't think that benefits should be seen as a career option, I do not think that making people work on Community schemes is the way to get people back into the work arena.
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I agree with you. When I emigrated to the USA, both my sponsor and I had to sign an agreement that said that I would not attempt to claim benefits or obtain assistance from the state.
Community schemes should be a very temporary measure easing people back into the habit of getting up in the morning and doing a day's work. I am of the opinion that people should do SOMETHING in exchange for their pittance. Anything. Doing the old neighbour's gardening or accompanying them to go shopping. Give them a little responsibility, and make them understand that their dole isn't free. Then they might actually want to get a real job as the alternative isn't very pleasant. And if they don't want to do their bit of community service, then the community shouldn't be obliged to give them their dole. God I sound like a Tory. I must be getting old.
And Margaret, I don't think ANYONE wants people that are truly incapable through illness or injury from feeling guilty about being supported, simply those who play the system, who are capable of supporting themselves, but chose to play the benefits game should have their loopholes closed. Joey Boswell has a lot to answer for.