wages same as benefits - what would you do?

mattcanary

Mojisola wrote: »

I think it's strange that it's thought of as good if both parents go to work and claim taxpayer's money to pay for childcare but bad if one works and has income topped up by taxpayer's money while the children are cared for by the other parent.

Absolutely - and also criticism comes from a person that decides to stay at home looking after their children full-time (or even does not have any children), whilst their other half goes out to work full-time (but earns enough so they are not eligible for any benefits except Child Benefit). They are the type of people prone to coming on here and moaning about people on benefits. Totally I'm all right Jack attitude and displaying no empathy whatsoever.

BigAunty

We see your dilemma on these boards nearly everday. It's not necessarily that benefits are so high but that wages are so low and accommodation costs so high.

By introducing tax credits, the government has unfortunately erased the distinction in income for some groups whether they are unemployed, partly employed or fully employed. The steep withdrawal of benefits, the entry into taxation, childcare and travel to work costs can actually mean some households are better off in no or less employment.

My advice to every OP with this dilemma is identical - do what's best for you, ignore the benefit haters but keep your eye out about the Universal Credit system as this is supposed to reduce the benefit trap, take away the abitrary working tax credits thresholds of x hours per week.

I know work is very important for social connections, self esteem and so forth but there are times when its a drag for other reasons.

SandC

I think a £20k job offer is not to be sniffed at and whilst it negates the tax credits these are only going to reduce over time anyway. She does need to have 100% support from her husband though and not end up with the lion's share of household responsibilities.

In an ideal world school hour jobs would work for so many families but it's just not possible for most employers to allow for this.

StormyWeather_2

plzhelpmesave! wrote: »

However she's already panicking at costs of childcare, kids are all in primary school. Her hubby is working full time on low wage so kids will have to go into before and after school club for her to get to work around £100 a week.
...
She now wants to NOT take up the job as she say's as a family they would be worse off and kids would suffer as she'll be out from 7.30-6.30 daily with travelling, and will still have to do a lot of the household & mum duties.

If two parents are working full time then household and looking after the children should be split. If the husband sits back and expects to do less they are acting like a 5th child.

StormyWeather_2

Mojisola wrote: »

I think it's strange that it's thought of as good if both parents go to work and claim taxpayer's money to pay for childcare but bad if one works and has income topped up by taxpayer's money while the children are cared for by the other parent.

The childcare part of tax credit could pay someone else's wages, who then pays tax and it goes back into the system.

WTC, subsidises the employers. If it didn't exist, companies would have to pay more. Now they know they can offer NMW and someone will take the job because the tax payers top up the wages.

I think they should do away with the working part of wtc, bring up the minimum wage, adjust taxes and focus more on subsidised childcare for working parents and create more childcare options.

Mojisola

StormyWeather wrote: »

The childcare part of tax credit could pay someone else's wages, who then pays tax and it goes back into the system.

But the SAHP won't be saving all the benefit he/she gets - it will be spent in ways that support other people's jobs.

WTC, subsidises the employers. If it didn't exist, companies would have to pay more. Now they know they can offer NMW and someone will take the job because the tax payers top up the wages.

Totally agree with this - it's crazy to have a system that supports low wages.

But, while that system is in place, I can understand why parents would claim benefits they are entitled to and have time at home bringing up their own children.

StormyWeather_2

With one SAHP there is one salary paying taxes. With two working there are two salaries, plus the childcare element will contribute to someone else's salary.

I agree, if they are entitled then claim it.

To answer the OP's question. I'd take the job. Tax credits probably will decrease over the coming years. Her wages will increase as she progresses through the company. The childcare costs will decrease as the children get older.

seven-day-weekend

mattcanary wrote: »

To be fair, your own situation is irrelevant. It's great that you keep yourself busy and try to help other people though.
You have to say it is a bit rich though that you choose a username suggesting you don;t do anything seven days a week and then suggest others should not claim benefits,
I understand that you may have chosen it because you love the work you do and so it feels like you have got seven weekend days every week. But you must see where I am coming from.....

It is not right however, that you come onto these boards and suggest that people asking for help should not be claiming benefits, when they are fully entitled to .
Tax credits were actually set up to help people on a low income, after all.

I did give up working for eight years (hence my seven-day-weekend), , but did not claim any Benefits, we lived on my husband's Teachers' Pension. It's only since we returned to the UK after living in Spain that I have started working and volunteering again, it was not possible in Spain.

I'm not saying people should not claim any benefits if they are entitled to them, I just think it is best not to do so if there is a choice, which is why I suggested the OP's friend took the job. I don't think there should be a choice between 'take a job you have been offered' or 'live on benefits'.

whodathunkit

mattcanary wrote: »

If you read the opening thread, OP does work!

A few hours a week flogging Avon to her mates doesn't make her a worker in any normal sense of the word.

bloolagoon

I tbink part of the problem is that many do not see tax credits as means tested benefits. If this was someone on JSA saying they turned down a job with the same circumstances people wouldn't be as supportive.