'Would you work or claim benefit?' poll discussion

piggeh

Single...I would stick on benefits.

I have been out of work recently in the last 18 months, and was in no immediate hurry to find another job. I was studying web design in my spare time and it's still sometihng I'd like to study more, so if I was on benefits I wouldn't be sitting at home doing nothing, but would be studying towards a career I would find more fulfilling. What would then be the point of taking a job that a)would put me worse off financially b)would stop me achieving a career ambition?

My view would be different if I was happy with a career choice, in which case I'd be wary of the gap on the CV and there's always ways to boost an income.

asc99c

Just realised I got distracted by the last post on here and forgot to answer!

Married with kids - I would stick on benefits for the kids, because if I was already struggling I'm not sure how I'd provide for them with even less money. Having said that I've never been on benefits and I'm not sure I'd ever get into the situation. As far as I have seen benefits are similar earnings to minimum wage. There are jobs out there that some people wouldn't happily take, like dustbin man, that are paid higher than the benefits I'm aware of. And if I wasn't able to find better paid work, I'd happily do something like that.

carlw

It simply shouldn’t be a choice!

If people are able to work, people should earn their benefits, through all sorts of jobs that need doing in the community that require little training, similar to community support. Gardening for the elderly, clearing litter etc. Then if people find it demeaning then they have the option to seek something better and get off of benefits. Anyone that wont comply doesnt receive anything. Nobody should be able to make the life choice of not working and having everything paid for. The current system is completely flawed, its not fair on the rest of society and i really dont understand why its not changed.

Al1x

I totally agree that people on benefits should be given a way to earn they money rather than just get it handed out for free.

awehla

I would work as then maybe it could lead to more better paid work. Only because I have my partner to support me though (who is too well paid for me to be allowed to claim benefits anyway). If I was single/still living with my folks I would probably stick to benefits as I would need all the money I can get. Thankfully I work, I remember looking for a job for a couple of months when I was 18 and that was bad enough, I can't imagine being on benefits for years.

johncolescarr

if it was a significant amount of money, I'd take the benefits, but I know I would hate to do so and it would drive me wild as I am in the enviable position of liking what I do. My reasoning is that it would not just be me who is affected by my decision and I wouldn't want to inflict financial hardship on my OH.

I am unsure of how many people are actually in this situation but I think it is ridiculous. Surely the government should be able to guarantee a minimum family income whether working or on benefits to encourage people to work. Surely this would be much cheaper as well as the working person will be paying tax and will be receiving less of the income from benefits. If there are a significant number of people in this position is is a gross failure of government and society - does any one have any statistics?

palicia

I'm a couple and both work full time, we don't get a rebate for nothing and are on a DMP with CCCS, I recently had to go the dentist which I had to borrow the fee (16.50) from my elderly mum, also the cost of a prescription (7.20) then go back the following week to get my tooth out (25.00). If I was unemployed this would all be free.
My husband has just been diagnosed with high blood pressure and has to take medication for life, another 7.50 per month, we really can't afford to be ill, what do we pay our Tax (on every £ we spend) and NI contributions for!!

leaphaze

I'd prefer to work, but since it says "struggling on benefits", how could I afford to work?

kerri_gt

I would rather have worked that stay on benefits but if you are struggling on benefits already (even in a couple) then I don't see how you could take the job - pride doesn't pay the bills, plus working could add additional costs such as travel expenses.

karenfielder

palicia wrote: »

I'm a couple and both work full time, we don't get a rebate for nothing and are on a DMP with CCCS, I recently had to go the dentist which I had to borrow the fee (16.50) from my elderly mum, also the cost of a prescription (7.20) then go back the following week to get my tooth out (25.00). If I was unemployed this would all be free.
My husband has just been diagnosed with high blood pressure and has to take medication for life, another 7.50 per month, we really can't afford to be ill, what do we pay our Tax (on every £ we spend) and NI contributions for!!

Do you know you are absolutely correct, you would get all these treatments free if you were on benefits, it really is not fair - incidentally I was having a similar conversation with a lady yesterday who questioned why scotlish residents are entitled to free presciptions regardless of their working circumstance - do you know that I could not answer - does anyone know why, although we are all part of the whole country NHS why can only scotland get it all free?