To think it's a bit harsh to say people who've never worked shouldn't get benefits?

[DonaldBiden]

Was reading another thread where many were saying if someone has never worked they shouldn't get any benefits but couldn't comment because it had reached 1000 comments.

I know this might be an unpopular opinion but I don't agree because that would include young mums who can't work because they have a baby to look after. Most of them will get a job when their child is a little older. Why are they any different from older mums who've fallen on hard times and need help?

And I know people will say it's because they've never worked and haven't proven themselves unlazy etc and could be on the dole forever but why should they have their lives ruined just because of something people think MIGHT happen.

What about people that would love to work, but no employers will employ them?

Could you reframe it that employers should be forced to employ anyone that wants to work?

Being forced to work is a lovely (😬) idea, but you have to take that theory to its conclusion.

That's great for people who develop health issues after a period of well paid work but not good for people who were never able to achieve well paid work because of an illness or disability.

The problem is that there is disconnect between what people think we all "deserve" and what we can afford. Modern western lifestyles are very expensive, we cannot maintain them for all on a shrinking workforce. There's got to be some compromise somewhere.

Disability benefits are different and calculated by a % of incapacity. Over 66% incapacity means "permanent" incapacity and not expected to engage in full time work.

I had 3 children aged, 5, 6 & 6 when I left my marriage. I knew I was leaving my marriage so organised an evening job and my family looked after my children.

I had 3 jobs at one point and up until last year I was working 2 jobs.

I have a friend who has 5 kids, why? Because the government pay her to be able to do that. She gets her micky money every week, gets her rent paid which is 2200 every month, gets help with uniforms a medical card, she can return to education all paid for by the government. She is on the waiting list for a 4 bedroom council house which she will receive brand new.

Not bad for someone who has never worked a day in her life.

She has a 22 year old daughter who has a child and the cycle is repeating itself. She drives a brand new top of the range mercedes and is just back from Disney. I couldn't afford to bring my 3 to the cinema some weeks.

My friend has a property in Spain.

Sickening.

Quite. No sixteen year olds should be having babies.

Many people find it difficult to secure employment. More competition will require more perseverance and more effort.

Previous generations had higher unemployment and no benefits culture and they survived. In the first instance, we will revert to that way if life.

Aye, really? The Disney trip is the icing on the cake, no doubt!🙄

It only took one page for this thread to bring out the eugenics supporters. Mumsnet sinks lower and lower every day.

Gross isn’t it.

I very much doubt a single mother on benefits is able to afford this lifestyle with a second home and brand new luxury car. Even if she claimed a record breaking amount, she would be restricted in her savings and have no access to credit.

@LadyKenya aye, really.

Tis the difference between a mortgage and renting.

I got no help whatsoever.

I'm in the process of selling my 5 bedroom house to the council.

Her partner is also a taxi driver but not living with her of course wink wink so they are raking it in.

Her daughter has the mercedes, she had a beautiful bmw herself but got rid of it.

There are single mothers here that work part time and are better off than those that are working.

Here you can work, claim one parent and a working family payment.

She has savings.

Not sure why you'd think she wouldn't have access to credit.

It's amazing that people know the full in s and outs of other people's finances even if they are "friends".

Our society really has become more cruel over the years. I do remember when a single parent could claim income support until her child was 16 as I had a child straight after uni and felt I was treated pretty decently by the system. Even then it was pretty horrible being on benefits and I went to work as soon as I could. Nursery fees were much more manageable before any subsidies came in.

Over the years I have definitely been a net contributor to the system and I expect that is true of most people who’ve been on benefits.

I don’t want to live in a society that treats people badly when they’re in need.

If you know someone has undeclared savings and property and it's winding you up then report them.

She is also just about to receive a huge inheritance.

It's not hard to find out what a single parent here as a single parent of 5 kids.

We have been pals for many years.

Nah.

Property abroad is rented, paid for by the partner so no trail and Revenue will report the inheritance.

If you don't have the support to raise it don't have a baby at 16. It really is that simple.

You think people on benefits can get credit? Unless it’s a motability car or it’s in someone else’s name there is no chance a person on benefits would get credit for a car. Nor a loan, unless it was a high street lender like Provident who charge exhorbitant interest rates (currently 535.3% APR!)

Too late my child is 8 now, thankfully people that think like these on Mumsnet weren't in charge at the time.

We have credit unions here so credit is no problem.

How is work going?

Is it really as high as 99%.