[entwisi]

If BT can offer a package at this price for one demographic then why not all. If it was offered for 'whites only' or 'blacks only' there would be all sorts of racism claims, why should it be different because its a social grouping rather than race one?

With regard to internet access for job apps, the library provides free access so ther is no 'requirement' for it at home. A phone is a luxury commodity and not essential no matter how hard you try and justify it. even in this current technology obsessed world. As such, if you can't afford it, you don't get it.

Are there peopel who are genuinely on benefits - yes there is. My dad was on invalidity for nearly 10 years after a brain hemorrhage, he had no smell, often fell asleep at a minutes notice even mid converstaion! Could he work?, nope, would he have if he could? as per Jayay, absolutely!!! He hated being at home all day.

what bugs me are people like one I know who hasn't worked for 17 years with "a bad knee" who regularly walks 2 miles to town to the pubs down there, I've personally seen him carrying huge bags of shopping home from asda with no probs, who has his house, bills etc all paid for.

Why the Heck can't he get a sit down job? even with no 'trade or skill' there are jobs such as on the tills in supermarkets ( no offence to anyone who does this) but it doesn't need any particularly large amount of training to do. I work with a lad who is a victim of thalidomide who types with his toes, drives with his feet and has no desire to be treated 'differently' than I would any other able bodied person. I myself have a broken back. does it stop me working? NO.

Its about time the difference between can't work and won't work be checked a lot more closely. I have no issues with the former getting all teh support they need to live a generally comfortable life.