Can't Work, Won't Work

[Deleted User]

Just been watching Ep 3 of Can't Work, Won't Work, hadn't seen it was on before.

Oh dear, where do they find these people?

One family, 60 plus mum, son who is getting married to someone only just younger than his mum. They're trying to get married, the lady he's marrying and he are thinking about having children. She looked older than his mum. He is 'trying to become an acting star'. They're currently being done for rent arrears (the mother thought they were £2k, they're actually £5k but they went to the CAB to sort out a financial statement with no paperwork, couldn't figure out what their rent is). Then she started shouting at the judge who got a bit irritated with her. Suprise suprise, they're being evicted. But apparently the mum was also due to appear in court for benefit fraud. So that could save on rent. Oh and lets say their house wasn't clean.., there was a brief glimpse of mummified flies etc.

And I'm speaking as a carer on benefits (who does know exactly what my rent is, and pays it regardless of problems that occasionally happen). The house I live in is in better condition than I found it and I'd be embarrassed if the floors and everything else weren't shiny (in spite of the peeling buckled Laminate the LL says is fine).

I just couldn't believe what I was hearing.

None of the other people were much better. One turned up half an hour late for a Jobcentre Appt, got sanctioned and thought it was totally wrong.

I know its difficult to find work, but some of the plans were rather unrealistic.., some were doing volunteer work which was good (going the same route myself). All but one was very overweight. And smokers (in spite of health problems in one case related to the smoking).

Oh well.

I know I shouldn't really post this on here, I've seen the anti benefit recipient rants and it is upsetting for those of us who are in the situation and trying their best to get out. But there you go. I still can't believe what I've viewed lol. So here I am, according to most people, put into the same group. And worrying myself sick about how I get a job and be a carer to my children (one who's 19 and so the money for him will disappear next year, he's still got special needs, is a year behind, but somehow I've got to keep him in college. Hence why I haven't slept yet again). Somehow I don't think I'll be watching the next programme., its just too depressing.

Davesnave

deannatrois wrote: »

All but one was very overweight.

So here I am, according to most people, put into the same group.

I'm a little overweight, but that doesn't mean I'm not active or fit. Some people might assume I have a sedentary lifestyle, but they'd be very wrong.

A majority of families in this country receive benefits of some kind. That fact might be ignored by some people some of the time, especially if they read certain newspapers or watch particular TV programmes.

Same difference IMO.

theartfullodger

I've not seen it but...

Can't see why we the taxpayer would wish to continue to "support" such scr*ats as you describe: I'd deport them regardless of nationality or origin or skin colour. There are many - most - on benefits who entirely deserve them, possibly deserve even more £££, such as no doubt yourself dean, and I wish you & whoever you care for well.

But yes, MOST families receive more in benefits than they pay in taxes. I'm on benefits (6 benefits: State pension, winter fuel allowance, £10 xmas bonus, free 'bus pass, free prescriptions, free eye-tests): More than half the benefits budget goes on old people (I am old..) but no government seems prepared to do anything about it (they want our votes...).

But the clown running the reform of the benefits system, Iain Duncan-Smith, I would not trust to run a whelk stall: It needs reforming for sure but, stone me, UC??

Anyway, best wishes to all deserving benefit recipients (I make no comment regarding my being deserving or not). Kindly go-forth-and-multiply those undeserving benefit-cheats and, even more so and costing taxpayers much more, those many, many, tax-cheats out there...

To report tax fraud herewith...
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/reportingfraud/
- and benefit fraud herewith...
https://www.gov.uk/report-benefit-fraud

Cheers!!

justjohn

have you seen "24 hr in police custody"


last episode I watched was of a couple accused of human trafficking. Seems to be the new scam as soon as an illegal immigrant makes a proven or on unproven allegation the government and council give them a hand out lol

Chanes

Whenever I see anything to do with benefits or the need for government assistance I thank god it isn't me! I feel sorry for people who hit the bottom and disgusted they can be treated so badly by our system. I know it gets abuse but that's simply because they fail to employ enough people to oversee the monster of bureaucracy that exists with it.

p00hsticks

theartfullodger wrote: »

I'd deport them regardless of nationality or origin or skin colour.

To where you would deport them if they are British (as I understand a lot featured in these programs appear to be) ? I think the days of getting away with shipping our unwanted to Oz are long gone....

In my opinion, these type of programs are just made to wind up the sort of viewing public that like watching them - the programme makers pick the most extreme cases they can find and know exactly which buttons to press / shots to include to get the most extreme reaction.

justjohn

There are many reasons the system fails. Some of the reasons you just can't sort.


Not being able to prioritise or manage money is a good example...The fact that for some, being on benefits improves living standards.(immigration).

fawnsinthegarden

It's a little ironic you are judging them yet wish not to be judged yourself?

theartfullodger

p00hsticks wrote: »

To where you would deport them if they are British (as I understand a lot featured in these programs appear to be) ? I think the days of getting away with shipping our unwanted to Oz are long gone.......

South Georgia or Syria amongst other locales would seem appropriate, but do offer other destinations: Yes the law would need to be changed but that's what MPs are for... changing the law.

Cheers all!!

justjohn

theartfullodger wrote: »

South Georgia or Syria amongst other locales would seem appropriate, but do offer other destinations: Yes the law would need to be changed but that's what MPs are for... changing the law.

Cheers all!!

conscript's and ship them out.....lol

Pixie5740

p00hsticks wrote: »

To where you would deport them if they are British (as I understand a lot featured in these programs appear to be) ? I think the days of getting away with shipping our unwanted to Oz are long gone....

Gruinard Island?

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gruinard_Island

p00hsticks wrote: »

In my opinion, these type of programs are just made to wind up the sort of viewing public that like watching them - the programme makers pick the most extreme cases they can find and know exactly which buttons to press / shots to include to get the most extreme reaction.

You're right though. These programmes pick out the most extreme cases. Yes some people fiddle the benefits system but it's a relatively small proportion of the total number of benefit claimants that do it. I'd rather have this small number on the take if it means helping the millions that genuinely need it.

These programmes take our eyes off the ones who really need watching. MPs expenses and house flipping. Reckless investment bankers who brought us into recession. Tax evaders. Questionable tax avoidance schemes in Jersey and the Isle of Man. I know tax avoidance is legal ISAs, duty free, etc before anyone says anything.