to be shocked the BBC asked a searching question re benefits?

[inheritanceshiteagain]

This morning I think it was Gordon Brown saying people on benefits should get a rise in line with cost of living increase (9%ish), rather than in line with wage rises (5%ish).
The BBC presenter asked him if it was fair to people getting up at 6am to go to work to support their families, who would not get this higher amount?
GB pointed out that 40% of people on tax credits are working... but that leaves 60% of people fit to work who don't work?

Of course there are multiple factors, childcare, single parenthood, no jobs available in the area where they are needed and so on, but why is there such a crazy system that makes it financially better to work 16 hours a week? Why isn't there more affordable childcare available? If this fixable?

[Threadkillacilla]

How many of the 60% are carers or have limited capability due to illness?

[OnanotherPier]

but why is there such a crazy system that makes it financially better to work 16 hours a week

There isn't in reality for the vast majority of people and it's no different to some people being paid more for the same role than others.

[RogueRebel]

If 40% are working how does that make 60% of people fit to work?

What about people who are disabled? People who have cancers/ illnesses that mean they cannot work?

I think you need to look at your statistics again

[properdoughnut]

Problem is if they don't do this it will just mean people on benefits going hungry and maybe dying of cold. You aren't going to get that 60% into work magically. They might have been out of work ages or have other stuff going on or live in areas where there just aren't any jobs.

[OnanotherPier]

And yes you are being unreasonable to think journalists wouldn't ask leading questions.

[ErmNoThankYou]

Not a lot of people get tax credits so your 40% and 60% don't mean a lot.
There are other reasons that people dont/ aren't expected to work other than childcare.

[Rayn22]

60% won't be carers or on disability!

[PeekAtYou]

Considering the lack of investment in schools, investing in Early Years is an even bigger pipe dream.
Employers in industries with vacancies seem to require extraordinary flexibility. I saw an ad of the door on B&M which was for 12 hour a week job and you had to be available nights and weekends which are times you can't get childcare. Loads of zero hour jobs seem to require full flexibility when you're not even guaranteed hours. How can you survive on that ?

[DashboardConfessional]

Why isn't there more affordable childcare available?

Why indeed. And they wonder why so many households of 2 adults are "replacing" themselves in the economy with one child.

[Givenuptotally]

but that leaves 60% of people fit to work who don't work?

Does it? You sure of that? Maybe have a think.

And I think you'll find statistically, the majority of people claiming tax credits are in work.

[ComebackQueen]

@DashboardConfessional

Why isn't there more affordable childcare available?

Why indeed. And they wonder why so many households of 2 adults are "replacing" themselves in the economy with one child.

Childcare, full time in Hendon which is North West London is c£1400 and that’s at a place I am expected to provide nappies, wet wipes and his milk. At a nursery where all this was included it was more.

For those on average income, this is most likely most of their net pay.

One partner is then, inevitably going to give up work to look after the child, without benefits due to the spouse or partner still working.

I can see then, why they may be resentful at Gordon Brown asking for them to get a higher percentage increase.

On the other side, people with disabilities, on a small pension credit etc are choosing to heat or eat, that’s completely unacceptable and should be deserving of being provided benefits to make essential household bills and shopping possible out of their benefit payments.

[Givenuptotally]

and see here: There are 12% of claimants who are recorded as not having received earnings and not in employment.

www.gov.uk/government/statistics/universal-credit-statistics-29-april-2013-to-13-january-2022/universal-credit-statistics-29-april-2013-to-13-january-2022

[Beezknees]

It isn't financially better to work 16 hours a week. You are getting mixed up with the old tax credits system. UC is different.

Also you are WRONG. The 60% will include disabled people who can't work.

[limitededitionbarbie]

Even if it's increased, it won't cover the gas and electricity bill

[j712adrian]

OP is a Trumpista

[ComebackQueen]

@limitededitionbarbie

Even if it's increased, it won't cover the gas and electricity bill

This is the most important part.

No one’s income be it wages or benefits will be able to keep up with the alarming rate that energy prices are increasing.

[Amortentia]

There are 5.6 million people receiving UC only 1.7 are expected to look for work. Thats because the rest are working or are unable to work for a whole host of reasons. If you begrudge people on UC receiving enough money to live on your nothing short of an evil lunatic.

[BigFatLiar]

@DashboardConfessional

Why isn't there more affordable childcare available?

Why indeed. And they wonder why so many households of 2 adults are "replacing" themselves in the economy with one child.

Business opportunity for someone there to set up additional hours childcare.

[inheritanceshiteagain]

@RogueRebel

If 40% are working how does that make 60% of people fit to work?

What about people who are disabled? People who have cancers/ illnesses that mean they cannot work?

I think you need to look at your statistics again

60% are fit for work and receiving benefits related to work. If they are disabled or unfit then they get PIP. Different benefits?

[Threadkillacilla]

@inheritanceshiteagain

60% are fit for work and receiving benefits related to work. If they are disabled or unfit then they get PIP. Different benefits?

Nope.

[TheHateIsNotGood]

And of course it does depend on job availability in a geographical area - not everywhere has masses of vacancies - round here there's always Social/Elderly Care vacancies - but not much else. Hard to magic up more work if it doesn't exist.

The positive is that the Caring Role Employers are now paying above NMW and even more than the sought after Supermarket jobs - £12.50ph which is massive compared to the norm. Unfortunately there's nowhere for most of these needed Carer Workers to live.

Posting from the SW.

[Beezknees]

@inheritanceshiteagain

60% are fit for work and receiving benefits related to work. If they are disabled or unfit then they get PIP. Different benefits?

Wrong again. Not everyone with a disability gets PIP.

[Amortentia]

@inheritanceshiteagain

60% are fit for work and receiving benefits related to work. If they are disabled or unfit then they get PIP. Different benefits?

No, you can claim PIP if you work, are a student or are old enough but still at school. If you are unable to work you can claim ESA and universal credit to top it up. But remember claiming any disability benefit is a nightmare now and you may have to go through multiple appeals to get it or have it reinstated every few years. In this case you end up in a desperate financial situation you might never recover from.

[NewBootsAndRanty]

@Beezknees

Wrong again. Not everyone with a disability gets PIP.

And not everyone who gets PIP is unable to work.

[SummerBummers]

OP you’re really showing your ignorance here. People not in work due to Illness/ disability will still likely be in receipt of Universal Credits. PIP is an entirely separate thing.