how far can i actually take this?

Marisco

Whatever anyone thinks of the benefit system (and it does leave a lot to be desired to say the least) it's disgusting that working people have to claim any benefit at all, whilst working!! People should have a "living wage" (by that I mean enough to pay bills and food, not holidays and gizmos!!) The argument is usually work harder and earn more then, which is ridiculous, as not everyone can do this! The whole system needs a good overhaul, not just a tinker here and there!!!!

custardy

Marisco wrote: »

Whatever anyone thinks of the benefit system (and it does leave a lot to be desired to say the least) it's disgusting that working people have to claim any benefit at all, whilst working!! People should have a "living wage" (by that I mean enough to pay bills and food, not holidays and gizmos!!) The argument is usually work harder and earn more then, which is ridiculous, as not everyone can do this! The whole system needs a good overhaul, not just a tinker here and there!!!!

but will people accept that everything raises in price to pay for it?
then you need to further raise wages to compensate,and round the merry go round goes.
the sad fact is those who are working 'hard' are often those getting the least

Naf

Marisco wrote: »

Whatever anyone thinks of the benefit system (and it does leave a lot to be desired to say the least) it's disgusting that working people have to claim any benefit at all, whilst working!! People should have a "living wage" (by that I mean enough to pay bills and food, not holidays and gizmos!!) The argument is usually work harder and earn more then, which is ridiculous, as not everyone can do this! The whole system needs a good overhaul, not just a tinker here and there!!!!

If you work 50 hours a week, you need to be paid roughly £7 per hour and pay no tax to just about break even on an average monthly outgoings for a typical (2&2) family... And that barely includes any savings towards irregular outgoings like new clothes/shoes/furniture as they wear out...
As you say CUSTARDY, if the minimum wage was set at £7 per hour (roughly 18kpa) then companies would have to raise their prices (and probably lay off staff) meaning that the £7 wouldn't be enough any more.
One thing that is totally stupid is the number of different places people need to go to get their benefits, whilst tax is still taken off them. I work, so the tax office have my details and my income details, so why can't the system just not take tax off me, then automatically pay me the total benefit entitlement when my PAYE taxed earnings are registered with HMRC's systems each month...? Would also save a huge amount of central government and local council revenues.

michelle1506

It is not easy to become a child minder. There is certain checks in the home and criteria in place that needs to be undertaken first. If you need to make adjustments to your home or garden it can be very costly!

MissMoneypenny wrote: »

Then why not become a childminder yourself? There seems to be an opening for more childminders in your area if they can charge that much and you won't have to pay childminding fees for your own children either.

michelle1506

I agree with that. I also think that the cost of child care needs to come down a lot to make it more affordable for working people. Then there would be less need for people to claim benefit.

Marisco wrote: »

Whatever anyone thinks of the benefit system (and it does leave a lot to be desired to say the least) it's disgusting that working people have to claim any benefit at all, whilst working!! People should have a "living wage" (by that I mean enough to pay bills and food, not holidays and gizmos!!) The argument is usually work harder and earn more then, which is ridiculous, as not everyone can do this! The whole system needs a good overhaul, not just a tinker here and there!!!!

custardy

michelle1506 wrote: »

I agree with that. I also think that the cost of child care needs to come down a lot to make it more affordable for working people. Then there would be less need for people to claim benefit.

[/U]

so how does the cost come down?
pay staff less?
government subsidy/state run nurseries?
theres not always simple answers

michelle1506

Nurseries charges drastically rose after tax credits were introduced. The government could subsidise nursery costs. To be honest lots of other countries provide help with child care etc for their citizens, and there seems to be more of a tolerant attitude towards it, then in this country.

I'm not suggesting pay the staff less.

custardy wrote: »

so how does the cost come down?
pay staff less?
government subsidy/state run nurseries?
theres not always simple answers

custardy

michelle1506 wrote: »

Nurseries charges drastically rose after tax credits were introduced. The government could subsidise nursery costs. To be honest lots of other countries provide help with child care etc for their citizens, and there seems to be more of a tolerant attitude towards it, then in this country.

I'm not suggesting pay the staff less.

but they already do?

michelle1506

custardy wrote: »

but they already do?

What do you mean??? If your saying that tax credits subsidise the cost of nursery then yes they do in a way. Seems strange how costs rose after the introduction of tax credits. I never said there was an easy answer. But I do know that affordable child care is a real barrier to work for lots of people, unless they are on a good salary. Once I have had my twins I will not be able to return to work for more than 3 days, as it's just not worth it financially. The cost of the child care is way too much.

Marisco

custardy wrote: »

but will people accept that everything raises in price to pay for it?

This is the argument that people use to justify paying low wages! How about companies take less profit, stop paying executives ridiculous wages and cut divies for shareholders? Why is it that when decent wages for workers is discussed, it's always "prices will rise" before even considering anything else!!! I'm not talking about tiny businesses with few staff here either, as a lot of those are struggling, but why should the likes of Tesco, Asda, M & S etc, put prices up instead of absorbing the costs out of huge profits?

When I phone Orange (my broadband provider) it always goes to an outsourced call centre, because they pay peanuts, and make more money. They are hardly a small business, yet they will do anything, rather than pay decent wages!! The majority of people do not like outsourced call centres, but do they care?? Do they hell!! Profit before people every time!!:mad: