To be really cross about the proposed cuts?

[Byjimminy]

And feel really effing sorry for those with genuine anxiety and depression - it is disabling!

Already seeing threads in MH with people despairing in anticipation of cuts. As if mental health services haven't already been decimated beyond recognition already. GP appointments as rare as hen's teeth, CAMHS and access to decent therapy is next to non-existent, the conservatiives slashed all the support workers and sure start centres and we've had the worst pandemic in decades (centuries?) - long covid is thing too! And now people are just self diagnosing/making up mental health issues? How the hell anyone believes anyone manages to claim PIP without a proper diagnosis is insanity itself.

I completely agree with this article: https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/wes-streeting-overdiagnosis-mental-health-adhd-b2716618.html

I know there will be umpteen threads on this already, but maybe some others like me just want to let stuff out in frustration and have a fresh place to say it. To think this is a labour government making these decisions BEFORE putting the services in place to actually help and treat people is beyond comprehension.

Of course it is. But we need to find a way. I have to pay extortionate fares getting in to London, but I suck it up. Not well off either.

Reducing rail fares would be a good start. They are simply unaffordable

We used a coach to commute into London as it was far cheaper. Although obviously took a lot longer….needs must

A lot of the entry level jobs that people coming off benefits will have to apply for will be minimum wage and probably zero hour stuff. No one would move for that. Not people who have been living where there for years and have family and a support network around them.

Although like the rest of us they might have to in order to secure a job.
I’ve had to move all over the place ( whether I liked it or not ) when there weren’t many jobs going.
That’s life

I have only ever heard of people moving for graduate roles or higher paid roles. Not minimum wage. Maybe if you are in your early 20s and have no ties to a particular area, and are still trying to find your feet. People who are sofa surfing or are lodgers or house sharing.
I am middle aged and in my established home with a support network around me. I will not be moving for any reason at all. How would I afford to move anyway?

Exactly. I understand the points, they’re valid and completely understandable - but it does get to a point where I feel many excuses are being made. I worked minimum wage when I was 15 right the way through uni and graduated at 23. It’s simply what I had to do. I also met a partner, so we supported each other. We have both worked shitty hospitality and retail jobs and runner jobs in London making tea. I went to uni whilst doing this so I could train in healthcare.

I just don’t feel people are willing to work or make sacrifices. Work can be hard graft. I think benefits has made it easier for some people.

btw I am not aiming this at those who are severely unwell, or disabled. I do feel for those without a support network too - it’s hard. I grew up in a deprived area but I had to work to get out of poverty.

Would you move for a min wage zero hour contract hospitality job?

No idea but my cousin has just moved from rented in East London to rented in the Bucks area for a job.
All her kids ( husband deceased ) are still in London.
She’s late 50s
Not professional but has worked all her life.

She told me she just couldn’t afford the rent anymore so had to move.

Agree.
Much the same here
I would move anywhere if I got a job, especially during the recessions which hit my industry very hard.
You have to make compromises……

Yes that makes sense if her rent is no longer something she can realistically pay for.
I am originally from a city that is also crazy expensive now. I always thought i would one day move back. Unless I win the lottery, it it totally unachievable.

It’s a step on the ladder.
We all start somewhere and usually with less than desirable positions.

A late teen or early 20s yes. In your late 40s and 50s?

Well yes.
Like my cousin
Like many women who go back to work after kids.
A friend of mine who worked in the city pre kids gave it all up to have kids. Then she returned to working in a completely non related area 20 years later and in her early 50s. Initially she got the job by volunteering and then they offered her paid work.

I also know quite a few people who became teaching assistants after years out. Two of them didn’t have their maths gcse/Olevels so had to do an exam for it to get the job.

Never say never

Well done to her. Pre city so she was in a high powered job to start with?
I don't have kids. Just been out of the workforce for a very long time due to illness and disability. I was only ever in minimum wage stuff when I did work and I only have a basic education. I can't move home. It is my safe space and my support network are here.

Yes her job was very high powered and very £££££ she took a massive pay cut and huge sacrifice but loves what she now does !

If someone can start work, how accepting is the work going to be if their sickness level is higher
Not mental health but I have been skirting around the edge of clinging on to my job because of sickness - not because I’ve had masses of time off but lots of occasions
People with disabilities who yes may be able to do some work but how accepting is a workplace going to be if they need more time off sick?
I don’t even get PIP and I’ve had to have a conversation about losing my job under capability

I think people who genuinely love their job have won at life

There is a thread on here about an employee who keeps crying and vanishing in the workplace. Lots of comments about sacking her.
This is what we are up against. Being told we are a drain because we cant work, and then told we are a drain when we can.

No, I wouldn’t but remember I moved for university and then took on zero hours jobs…

im not saying to move for a zero hours job ofc, but there are other jobs and opportunities out there and you may have to be prepared to relocate.

All of this.

I'm increasingly finding that unless you reveal all your private and personal and what should be confidential gory health details, finding and keeping support from colleagues at work is nigh impossible. Maybe, just maybe, if we had a health and welfare system that was timely, thorough and trusted to be effective, teams would be more accepting of colleagues with reasonable adjustments and work would be more sustainable for people with "invisible" disabilities.

This is what I'm finding so distasteful with the current narrative around over-diagnosis. It's just arming people to deny and dismiss another's needs. I face it all the time.

Their assets are not highly mobile. No matter where you live in the world, all UK assets will still pay UK taxes. In addition, in 4 days the LTR tax rules come into effect for IHT on worldwide assets even if you have left the UK which will discourage older, well off Brits from retiring abroad.

And she ALSO moved across the country to take up this unpaid role? Because this wasn’t about starting over at entry level, but about moving across the country for a zero hrs min wage job…

Hard to get a wheelchair on a regular coach bus.