Absolute *** of our time Pt.MXXVI

[Webbo]

Yup it was me who brought up McDonalds as an example, like Coke and other peddlers of high in salt/sugar/fat crap, that shove it down our throats on a daily basis, McDonalds always used to be cheap, a big mac meal was cheaper than a piece of steak or a packet of mince, well last time I looked it was.

Oh and if you are going to shorten my name, can you please make it Shrappers, or Schrappers, with just 1 'P' it looks like a cross between school and raper, and those days are behind me.

Apologies for that,it wasn't meant as a slight, just bad spelling .

[Guest MattP]

Yup it was me who brought up McDonalds as an example, like Coke and other peddlers of high in salt/sugar/fat crap, that shove it down our throats on a daily basis, McDonalds always used to be cheap, a big mac meal was cheaper than a piece of steak or a packet of mince, well last time I looked it was.

Oh and if you are going to shorten my name, can you please make it Shrappers, or Schrappers, with just 1 'P' it looks like a cross between school and raper, and those days are behind me.

Not anymore. Was in Maccys a few weeks back and it was very pricey, pub meal for two would be cheaper.

The unemployed should get food stamps rather than cash anyway, they shouldn't be having, steaks, mince or McDonald's.

Rice and Veg for them.

[Charl91]

Not anymore. Was in Maccys a few weeks back and it was very pricey, pub meal for two would be cheaper.

The unemployed should get food stamps rather than cash anyway, they shouldn't be having, steaks, mince or McDonald's.

Rice and Veg for them.

A little extreme. I do agree with food stamps, but only to the extent that it's a coupon of a certain value that has to be spent on food (not alcohol or cigarettes). If they want to spend all of it on monster munch, then that's fine with me.

Edited 30 October 2012 by Charl91

[Leicfox]

I've said this before. Limit people on the amount of kids they have.

You should have a look down your family tree line. You might not be alive today if limits were put on the amount of kids you could have.

[Guest MattP]

You should have a look down your family tree line. You might not be alive today if limits were put on the amount of kids you could have.

And ironically getting through it without a welfare state.

Edited 30 October 2012 by MattP

[Charl91]

You should have a look down your family tree line. You might not be alive today if limits were put on the amount of kids you could have.

No, I probably wouldn't be. But then that's not much of an argument - I also wouldn't be around to be annoyed about it!

Society is getting to the point where we wont be able to support many more people. If it's a choice between people starving and limiting the amount of children people have, then it's a no-brainer. People say it's inhumane, but that's only because they're too short sighted to see the alternative.

Edited 30 October 2012 by Charl91

[Leicfox]

And ironcally getting through it without a welfare state.

Unemployment benefits were first instituted in 1911.

[Bilo]

Rationing and rickets for the poor are a necessity.

All we need is casual racism in light entertainment and the reintroduction of corporal punishment in schools and we're back to the forties.

At least burglary rates will fall in the rough areas, who wants to nick a mangle?

[Guest MattP]

Unemployment benefits were first instituted in 1911.

Sorry I thought people had children before then.

[21st Century Fox]

There used to be those places people who weren't as well educated could go and work... what were they called.... factories and mines.

[Leicfox]

Sorry I thought people had children before then.

Yeah of course they did but I was assuming Charl91 is only young so he wouldn't go back that far.

[Charl91]

Yeah of course they did but I was assuming Charl91 is only young so he wouldn't go back that far.

You're right - I wasn't around in 1911

There used to be those places people who weren't as well educated could go and work... what were they called.... factories and mines.

Now we have ASDA.

Edited 30 October 2012 by Charl91

[Captain...]

Not anymore. Was in Maccys a few weeks back and it was very pricey, pub meal for two would be cheaper.

The unemployed should get food stamps rather than cash anyway, they shouldn't be having, steaks, mince or McDonald's.

Rice and Veg for them.

A little extreme. I do agree with food stamps, but only to the extent that it's a coupon of a certain value that has to be spent on food (not alcohol or cigarettes). If they want to spend all of it on monster munch, then that's fine with me.

I agree with food stamps, I think they should have basic provisions for a weeks worth of healthy living (I was going to say delivered, if they can get to the supermarket and back, then they can pick them up) they can then learn how to cook proper healthy food, it is not like they don't have time on their hands.

I would also make anyone on benefits do some work for it, whether it is picking up litter, painting over graffiti or serving as PCSOs, or volunteers in soup kitchens, for 10-15 hours a week, giving something back to society which is providing them with food and shelter and whatever else for free. (it would also give them job experience, prospects and references should they be looking for future employment.)

Don't go thinking lefties are soft, Socialism (or being a lefty) is about valuing society/the state over the individual, the state will provide for you but you must also provide for the state, it involves a lot more state control, but is geared towards getting every member of society contributing and working together, at the expense of individual profiteering.

(To some extent and slightly paraphrasing, not all lefties are socialists).

[Facecloth]

You're right - I wasn't around in 1911

And I thought the 91 in your username stood for 1891!

[Leicfox]

Why are foreign immigrants allowed to receive child benefit for children that do not live in this country? A nurse my wife works with gets it for her kids in India.

I've no problem with it, it just baffles me.

[ADK]

I agree with food stamps, I think they should have basic provisions for a weeks worth of healthy living (I was going to say delivered, if they can get to the supermarket and back, then they can pick them up) they can then learn how to cook proper healthy food, it is not like they don't have time on their hands.

I would also make anyone on benefits do some work for it, whether it is picking up litter, painting over graffiti or serving as PCSOs, or volunteers in soup kitchens, for 10-15 hours a week, giving something back to society which is providing them with food and shelter and whatever else for free. (it would also give them job experience, prospects and references should they be looking for future employment.)

Don't go thinking lefties are soft, Socialism (or being a lefty) is about valuing society/the state over the individual, the state will provide for you but you must also provide for the state, it involves a lot more state control, but is geared towards getting every member of society contributing and working together, at the expense of individual profiteering.

(To some extent and slightly paraphrasing, not all lefties are socialists).

If people work they should be entitled to minimum wage.

[Captain...]

If people work they should be entitled to minimum wage.

Hence only 10-15 hours, not 40 hours, enough to repay what they are taking, but not enough so that they would prefer to do that than a real job.

[Guest MattP]

I agree with food stamps, I think they should have basic provisions for a weeks worth of healthy living (I was going to say delivered, if they can get to the supermarket and back, then they can pick them up) they can then learn how to cook proper healthy food, it is not like they don't have time on their hands.

I would also make anyone on benefits do some work for it, whether it is picking up litter, painting over graffiti or serving as PCSOs, or volunteers in soup kitchens, for 10-15 hours a week, giving something back to society which is providing them with food and shelter and whatever else for free. (it would also give them job experience, prospects and references should they be looking for future employment.)

Don't go thinking lefties are soft, Socialism (or being a lefty) is about valuing society/the state over the individual, the state will provide for you but you must also provide for the state, it involves a lot more state control, but is geared towards getting every member of society contributing and working together, at the expense of individual profiteering.

(To some extent and slightly paraphrasing, not all lefties are socialists).

Nothing much there I would disagree with at all.

[ADK]

Hence only 10-15 hours, not 40 hours, enough to repay what they are taking, but not enough so that they would prefer to do that than a real job.

Surely if it is work then it is a real job?

That would be quite good, for people out of work to be given enough minimum wage hours to receive the current jobseekers allowance - that way those out of work would not need to feel stigmatised for their situation as they would be working for their money. You wouldn't need to have the mandatory going into the job centre or lose benefits crap either, just complete the 12 hours a week or so.

[Charl91]

I agree with food stamps, I think they should have basic provisions for a weeks worth of healthy living (I was going to say delivered, if they can get to the supermarket and back, then they can pick them up) they can then learn how to cook proper healthy food, it is not like they don't have time on their hands.

I would also make anyone on benefits do some work for it, whether it is picking up litter, painting over graffiti or serving as PCSOs, or volunteers in soup kitchens, for 10-15 hours a week, giving something back to society which is providing them with food and shelter and whatever else for free. (it would also give them job experience, prospects and references should they be looking for future employment.)

Don't go thinking lefties are soft, Socialism (or being a lefty) is about valuing society/the state over the individual, the state will provide for you but you must also provide for the state, it involves a lot more state control, but is geared towards getting every member of society contributing and working together, at the expense of individual profiteering.

(To some extent and slightly paraphrasing, not all lefties are socialists).

This basically sums up my feelings. Well said.

It also helps seperate those who can't find a job with those who just can't be bothered to work. I suggested to a couple of guys on benefits I know that it would make sense for people on benefits to earn them on a minimum-wage basis (so about 10 hours a week) and they thought it was outrageous. Needless to say, they've both been unemployed for more then two years, even though they claim they're "honest job seekers" that can't find a job. I think it might be due to them not actually applying to any though....

Edited 30 October 2012 by Charl91

[Leicfox]

Jeremy Paxman just slipped up. Calling old people "old codgers" before correcting himself quickly.

You can't say that.

Edited 30 October 2012 by Leicfox

[Rincewind]

The position I have a chance with is only 12 hours. I will come out with just above my JSA. Still get housing and council tax paid I think. But It will not help me much apart from pride in working a job I'm doing for nothing now. I need another £20 pw but then that would affect my benefits so I can stay unemployed on JSA or work for the equivalant or find another part time job which takes me above 20 hours or full time.

Hoping to do a course in social care which there are plenty of jobs because it is not pleasant work for poor pay. Why not full time? you ask. Well I've been trying for over a year for the things I can do which with no trade experience and age is a little difficult. Also next July I can take pension credits.

I also am unable to do work wihich requires a huge amount of physical strength. I was born like it but it has never been a problem before because my previous jobs did not require it.; I do not mention it though on job applications as I do not regard it as a disability in that sense. It is difficult finding jobs that would suit an older person.

As for managing on the JSA. I have adapted. It is not easy but I get by. I have cut down as much as I can. No special treats, new gear, Iphones, Ipads or anything else those with well paid jobs (for the time being) can afford, but possessions have never bothered me. I don't have to have the latest game station when it comes out.

Spoke to somebody in the queue when signing on today he'd been out of work twoo years and said he hoped this was the last time as he had a job offer. I imagine he had been trying for that period.

[Charl91]

The position I have a chance with is only 12 hours. I will come out with just above my JSA. Still get housing and council tax paid I think. But It will not help me much apart from pride in working a job I'm doing for nothing now. I need another £20 pw but then that would affect my benefits so I can stay unemployed on JSA or work for the equivalant or find another part time job which takes me above 20 hours or full time.

Hoping to do a course in social care which there are plenty of jobs because it is not pleasant work for poor pay. Why not full time? you ask. Well I've been trying for over a year for the things I can do which with no trade experience and age is a little difficult. Also next July I can take pension credits.

I also am unable to do work wihich requires a huge amount of physical strength. I was born like it but it has never been a problem before because my previous jobs did not require it.; I do not mention it though on job applications as I do not regard it as a disability in that sense. It is difficult finding jobs that would suit an older person.

As for managing on the JSA. I have adapted. It is not easy but I get by. I have cut down as much as I can. No special treats, new gear, Iphones, Ipads or anything else those with well paid jobs (for the time being) can afford, but possessions have never bothered me. I don't have to have the latest game station when it comes out.

Spoke to somebody in the queue when signing on today he'd been out of work twoo years and said he hoped this was the last time as he had a job offer. I imagine he had been trying for that period.

I'm roughly the same. I'm working between 8 - 19 hours a week (it varies lots depending on my shifts), but probably averaging out at about 14 hours a week at minimum wage. Not claiming anything at the moment, but I'm going to have to look into the possibility since I'm down to my last £100 or so, and with my rent and ridiculous council tax bill (£850) my budget is negative £30 a week, and that's before I even buy food.

I've always been used to being fairly well off, so it's been a bit of a culture shock, but like you said, it is manageable if you cut back or so (well, it would be if I claimed for anything); obviously new phones and Ipads etc. are out of the question, but that's fair enough. Hopefully this will be short term for me, but I can full sympathise with you - I can also appreciate it's a lot more difficult for older people to find jobs.

Edited 31 October 2012 by Charl91

[Leicfox]

Nightguard - how come you get JSA? After reading that it sounds like you should be drawing your pension. ?

Edited 31 October 2012 by Leicfox

[Captain...]

I'm roughly the same. I'm working between 8 - 19 hours a week (it varies lots depending on my shifts), but probably averaging out at about 14 hours a week at minimum wage. Not claiming anything at the moment, but I'm going to have to look into the possibility since I'm down to my last £100 or so, and with my rent and ridiculous council tax bill (£850) my budget is negative £30 a week, and that's before I even buy food.

I've always been used to being fairly well off, so it's been a bit of a culture shock, but like you said, it is manageable if you cut back or so (well, it would be if I claimed for anything); obviously new phones and Ipads etc. are out of the question, but that's fair enough. Hopefully this will be short term for me, but I can full sympathise with you - I can also appreciate it's a lot more difficult for older people to find jobs.

Do you mind me asking what happened for you to go from being well paid to not?