Benefits system is being revamped: "Work for the dole"
@creative_genius (992)
July 25, 2008 10:43am CST
On Monday the government announce huge changes to the current welfare system. What is proposed is that income support and incapacity benefit will be abolished by 2013. Instead it will be simplified to two systems: Employment support for those with medical issues and Jobseeker's allowance for those fit to work.
Personally I think it is all overdue but I welcome the changes. As someone who works hard and pays ridiculously high taxes it annoys me when I see people who can work but choose not to. There is a culture of 'playing the system' and I think we need to instil a work ethic in people early on.
The current system almost encourages people not to bother working. If you are on benefits the support you get is a lot more than if you work and are on a low income. I feel that the changes should also be applied to the university application process. Why should students whose parents work hard to send their children to university get less financial support than those on low incomes? Bring back the old system of equal grants for everyone. I am fed up of seeing this 'positive discrimination' everywhere.
What do you think of the changes that the government are bringing in? Will you be affected in any way?
2 people like this
3 responses
@derek_a (10874)
•
25 Jul 08
I think that something has to be done, but I would not like to have the job of bringing these changes about as there are so many factors that need to be taken into account when creating new legislation. Where some people would benefit, others would lose out.
If I were to be involved in any way, I would focus more on how to stop people cheating and milking the system and getting money they don't deserve, because that is leaving a shortfall for the people who are in genuine hardship. If each person was to ask themselves, "do I really need this money?" and then act with honesty, then that would make a tremendous difference. But I don't think that is something that will happen sometime soon.
@creative_genius (992)
•
27 Jul 08
Yes that is so right and I would do the same. Something needed to be done, only time will tell how well it works in getting money to the deserving people.
1 person likes this
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
25 Jul 08
how much has it changed over the years since it was put in place? while i agree with you, i know there are many people that are 'on the dole' that should and could be working (and i know some) but there are other people who cannot work due to injury (like me) and there should be way more check points involved (here in canada too!)
@creative_genius (992)
•
27 Jul 08
There should be more checks to make sure people don't play the system. Obviously people like yourself with medical problems are not fit for work. It is jobseeker's allowance which needs to be monitored more. I presonally believe that you should only be able to claim for a maximum of 6 months, and there should be more help available for those desperate for work.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
16 Feb 09
In a lot of ways I can truly see where you are coming from, and in some ways I do agree with you. Personally if it was me, people would have to prove their need and Disability in order to get help. If you can prove that you are disabled and need assistance due to Health issues, then you should get them, but if you are not working and could work, you should be made to Volunteer or something in order to keep your Benefits or at least work part time to help fund the Benefits given to you as well. Yes, there are many people out there who have no choice mentally or physically but to get benefits, but they need to start rewarding the working class more for sure.
