General Chat

You are truly a genius, Maggie

You'v e spotted the fundamental flaw in the Big Society initiative.

It may come as a bit of a surprise, David, but not everyone has a load of unearned income to depend on.

Sue x

Ironically, Sue, when he was first unemployed, he was doing volunteer work for an environmental group.....

......now he can't afford the petrol!

Oh - that would be because volunteering doesn't pay anything - including the bus fare (nearest bus is 2 miles away) or petrol!!

He traded in a pension he had to pay off his overdraft - it left him £50 - now he's expected to live on £41 a week!

I'll force my tongue firmly into my cheek, Maggie

Maybe he could volunteer as part of the Big Society?

Shucks, what a drawback. He doesn't have a trust fund to live on.

Sue x

I've got a friend who has been a carpenter for over 30 years - he's been unemployed for 18 months. He really wants to work - but all the jobs are for carers!!
Fat lot of bl**dy good that is for him!
Or is he to be considered a 'scrounger' because working as a carer in an old folks home isn't his 'trade'?

As for a tax increase - as this has become a personal issue, I was given ( I didn't 'take') a wage cut 3 years ago - when all jobs (apart from the managerial, of course) were 'standardised'.
Since then I haven't had a pay increase.
If things carry on, I may as well get a job that pays the minimum wage - I'd be better off - and have no responsibility!!

Much as it may appeal to your personal preferences, removing parking charges and/or rationalising bin clearances won't get this country out of the financial hole it finds itself in

There are only two real choices. Either cut services or increase taxes.

Make no mistake, the choice of this current government, to cut services, will impact on each and every one of us. Fewer policemen, fewer fire fighters and fewer doctors. Don't believe me - just google to find the reactions of chief policemen etc

So what's wrong with a general tax increase? I for one would be much happier to see that happen than the other alternative.

Sue x

Same in our town ....and one odd thing came up ..the council RENTED the parking bays that were being taken up by the gas board to the Gas board!!! whats that about?

Kem in my town the water board dug holes to replace water pipes
in some of the shops filled them in when the job was done
4 weeks later the gas board came and dug the very same holes
to put in new gas mains

what happened to the town planners

why could t both jobs be done at the same time

I think if the country stops repeating its self it may help
In the last 5 years we have had 3 different types of rubbish bins each time they also change the containers !!
We have a £25,000 statue of someone !!!! standing on our main roundabout!
we have holes being dug after they just filled them in!!

All I can say is if us people ran our home finances like the goverment runs theirs we would all be in the courts !!

Well dont to them both Kem

Many Thanks JBA ...he has always done unsocial hours and often till 3am ..dealing with drunks and other sorts but he says why not they cant help their status in life .....
My 3rd son is out now also working til 3am as the new scarie film has been released and its running at 12.....for all those who like to be up all night

KEM the one that took the job with unsociable hours
i think he is a credit to you i wish him well

LOL........sorry Amy have mentioned two...Really Amy you must read more carefully

Well Kemp probably the son you have mentioned on here , why would it be any of the other 3? lol

The chap at the jobcentre said he knew of several who had been doing so for quite a while and it all helped with learning new skills to add to there CVs.

RR Thanks for that prehaps now more people can help while they are avaliable ..prehaps the goverment should think about giving a little extra to those who do help charities when they are out of work

Which son would that be JBA I have 4

No Cat, it has changed, I was told at the job centre, as long as you continue to search for a job, and make yourself available for any interviews, volunteer work for a reg' charity is ok as you are still considered 'available for work' .

well done to your son Kem good luck to him in his future

Rambling Rose. Then maybe for the long term unemployed ie the ones who have been on the dole in excess of 2 years it should be compulsory that they undertake charity work or lose their benefits.

my son worked in one of these all day burger places and could only employ Polish as they couldnt get "british" children to work the unsocial hours


Cat ...my findings are also that if you cant do or be avaliable for full time work you cant have JSA