The recession, benefits, the safety net, and the learning curve

JayScottGreenspan

Frank Field's two cents:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/mar/18/welfare-unemployment-and-employment-statistics

People around the country are complaining to me of being gobsmacked when signing on for the first time and finding that not only do their decades of insurance contributions qualify them for a mere £60.50 a week – exactly the same as if they had never gone to work in the first place - but that Jobcentre Plus skills are not honed to helping them get jobs.

The fact that 20 years of NI contributions means naff all when you're laid off is an absolute disgrace.

JayScottGreenspan

bo_drinker wrote: »

A tattoo on her face, nice.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/howaboutthat/5230467/No-Regrets-The-Best-Worst-and-Most-Ridiculous-Tattoos-Ever.html

bo_drinker

JayScottGreenspan wrote: »

Frank Field's two cents:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/mar/18/welfare-unemployment-and-employment-statistics


The fact that 20 years of NI contributions means naff all when you're laid off is an absolute disgrace.

Doesn't it go towards pensions as well( how long for though?)

purch

I had an interesting chat with a bloke in my local last week.

He has a major 'headache' currently, as his 56 reg Ford Focus that he is provided with under the Motability scheme (Insurance, Road Tax, Maintainence all paid) is due for renewal, as it's coming up for 3 years old.

He can't decide whether to take the Cash equivalent of the benefit, or not. He doesn't really need the Car, as both he and the missus walk to work, the Pub is in walking distance and his mate can give him a lift to the Leisure Centre when they play squash.

I couldn't really think of anything much to say in response, but it is good to see the Taxes I pay being put to good use.

Graham_Devon

purch wrote: »

I had an interesting chat with a bloke in my local last week.

He has a major 'headache' currently, as his 56 reg Ford Focus that he is provided with under the Motability scheme (Insurance, Road Tax, Maintainence all paid) is due for renewal, as it's coming up for 3 years old.

He can't decide whether to take the Cash equivalent of the benefit, or not. He doesn't really need the Car, as both he and the missus walk to work, the Pub is in walking distance and his mate can give him a lift to the Leisure Centre when they play squash.

I couldn't really think of anything much to say in response, but it is good to see the Taxes I pay being put to good use.

With that, they pay around £40 per week out of their benefits to pay for the car.

So if he decided to pull out of the scheme, he would have an extra £160 cash a month.

It's not "free" as such.

chupov

Graham_Devon wrote: »

With that, they pay around £40 per week out of their benefits to pay for the car.

So if he decided to pull out of the scheme, he would have an extra £160 cash a month.

It's not "free" as such.

If the money comes "out of their benefits" it is indeed free, mate.

Its clear that the benefits system is rubbish and is aimed at supporting a lifestyle for a growing army of hardcore scroungers verses actually supporting the genuinely needy and helping people out of work find a job.

johnny_storm

I am really sorry to hear about your situation Max and I hope you find some work real soon.

I do think though that you have made a perfect argument to me as to why you should sell your house, take the money, and go any buy in a cheaper warmer country in Europe. Put the difference into savings, interest rates will go up eventually.

Not only will you know that you will no longer be paying into our evil corrupt taxation system, but you will enjoy an easy relaxed life in lovely sunny weather. It sucks that all your contributions into the system has bought you nothing (well next to nothing) , but Im afraid there is little you can do about it except vote with your feet.

Good luck!

oneeye1

Graham_Devon wrote: »

No need to attack.

Just pointing out that you are only counting the cash, and not counting things others have to pay for. Many many people do the same thing, and I will always point it out.

Why? Because many many people have less than £400 per month after paying their council tax and rent / mortgage. Yet you were typing as if you were hard done by.

hard done to nah £101 a week to feed clothe house dress 4 people what ever could give you that idea

Pez2

If you don't have kids or aren't signed off as unfit to work then you will get diddley-squat from the benefits system. Don't expect to rely on the 'safety net' if neither of those possibilities apply to you.

Really2

although no use to Max,

Perhaps this is a good time to mention income protection policies.
Also if you feel like the company you are working for is in trouble don't wait until the last day, start looking for a job while employed it could save you a good few months of not receiving any wages (i have worked for companies that have been liquidated before)

But good luck Max.