[Margaret Pilkington]

Emzy, stop taking this thread so personally....The welfare state is there to help those in genuine need,and for the forseeable future it seems like you might be one of those.
You DID have a job prior to your pregnancy, and must have paid into the system.
I am sure at some point in the future you will want to return to work.
I have no gripe with those whose need is genuine.......I do, however object to paying my taxes for people who never want to work, expect all the good things of life to be handed to them as if it is their right.

The welfare state should be seen as a helping hand, not a deal for life.