Just seen the government is planning to get long term unemployed people doing "unpaid" work in the community.Gets my vote but what do you people think ??

Just seen the government is planning to get long term unemployed people doing "unpaid" work in the community.Gets my vote but what do you people think ??

 

personally, i think they should create more jobs. its ok getting long term unemployed into "unpaid" work, but why not just get more jobs that pay work so people can go work.

 

It also would help if there was an incentive for companies to employ long term unemployed. a friend of mine was off sick due to a back problem, now its sorted out he is having problems getting work due to being out of work so long.

Gets my vote, it may get the dol queue folks outta there beds n try get some work !

It's a good idea, but it'll never work though...

Most of these 'unemployed' people are claiming some

sort of disability benefit, and so are their parents etc...

I'd say around 60% of then have nothing wrong with them,

just lazy workshy tossers who would rather sit round the

ashtray and watch jeremy kyle all day

It's a life choice they made at school, it's been an option for

years.

It used to be the 'bad back' that got people out of going to

work (very hard to disprove), now the new one seems to be

epilepsy, i know of an entire family who play the system with

this one, all of them claim to have fits (obviously when no one is

around), their partners then become their carers, hence dont work

either, they then sit in and play the xbox (epilepsy warnings!) and

get pissed all the time.

The thing is, it's all very well saying they will have to go to work,

but what can they do?

Most of them made the choice back in school to do sod all with their

lives, got kicked out of school etc Cant read or write, dont know

right from wrong, left from right, the list is endless.

I'd like to see what jobs are created for them.....

two sides to this one .

i agree a lot of people choose not to work . for these they should get a kick up the backside .

on the other hand the country is struggling having just come out of recession and hovering dangerously close to going back into another .

its ironic that all the public sector job cuts that are planned ie street cleaners etc and now the government are planning to fill these vacancies with unemployed people for free.

create more unemployment by forced job cuts and then fill these with other unemployed people . wheres the gain for the country in doing this

I agree with the idea to an extent, BUT I live in Teesside. There are no jobs. There is also an underclass of people who have never ever worked. Whole families who have lived their entire lives on state handouts. I have mixed feelings about it as I wholly support the need for a welfare state but I am also aware that there is a benefits trap. I have been in that place before when I split from Tash's dad and lost my job and I could only find part time work - I was much worse off working part time than being on benefits. I still worked because I just hate not working, but there was a time when I wasn't really breaking even going out to work.

I think something needs to happen at a very young age, in education, which instills a good work ethic in people because I really resent those with the attitude that they've never worked and don't see why they should, it really irks me. I've not been out of work since I was 13 (Vodkashots, if you do the maths and post it in a reply I will beat you lol!) and worked all through college, uni, I had 3 jobs when I was at uni!

Double edged sword in Teesside though, coz there aren't really any jobs to be had, so even if there was an eager workforce waiting for jobs, they'd be waiting in vain!

Gets my vote too. Theres currently 65 pages of jobs listed in my area at the moment so the excuse that these people cant find a job doesnt wash with me. I've never been on JSA for longer than one week in my life. Made redundant twice and found a new job within a week. Its not difficult unless your picky.

Im not sure about this, wouldnt making them train for jobs which are out there a better option.

I agree with the idea to an extent, BUT I live in Teesside. There are no jobs. There is also an underclass of people who have never ever worked. Whole families who have lived their entire lives on state handouts. I have mixed feelings about it as I wholly support the need for a welfare state but I am also aware that there is a benefits trap. I have been in that place before when I split from Tash's dad and lost my job and I could only find part time work - I was much worse off working part time than being on benefits. I still worked because I just hate not working, but there was a time when I wasn't really breaking even going out to work.

I think something needs to happen at a very young age, in education, which instills a good work ethic in people because I really resent those with the attitude that they've never worked and don't see why they should, it really irks me. I've not been out of work since I was 13 (Vodkashots, if you do the maths and post it in a reply I will beat you lol!) and worked all through college, uni, I had 3 jobs when I was at uni!

Double edged sword in Teesside though, coz there aren't really any jobs to be had, so even if there was an eager workforce waiting for jobs, they'd be waiting in vain!

 

A related issue and one you've touched on is the huge divide between the North and South, as far as jobs are concerned. Most countries have a West-East or North-South divide, but in the UK (especially England) the gap is shameful and successive governments have done nothing to address this issue.

 

Unless you work in the public sector (doctors, nurses, teachers), ALL other jobs are in the South, in particular the South East. This means that for generations to come, there will continue to be a brain and skill drain from the North to the South. I myself grew up in Yorkshire and first moved to the Midlands, and am now in the South East. Why? Simple. There are very few (if any) jobs in the Telecommunications/Electronics/Engineering sector in the North. All of the major companies are in the South East, and will continue to be.

 

If the government was serious about moving jobs around, they would slash taxes for companies that relocate, give them free land and other grants. In return, they would insist on a commitment of at least 10 years, if not more.

In today's world of balancing books, it just might work.

 

The company I work for (multinational with more than 100,000 employees) considered moving to the midlands 5 years ago. They even started negotiating leases etc. Ultimately however they gave up as they found the costs to be no less than the South East (exc. London), links to London very poor etc. I am sure however that had there been substancial investments, i would now possibly be sitting in the Midlands. That's just 1 example; I'm sure there are many.

Its not unpaid work. They are earning their keep!

 

There are plenty of jobs out there it all depends how willing you really are to roll your sleaves up and do a days work.

A related issue and one you've touched on is the huge divide between the North and South, as far as jobs are concerned. Most countries have a West-East or North-South divide, but in the UK (especially England) the gap is shameful and successive governments have done nothing to address this issue.

 

Unless you work in the public sector (doctors, nurses, teachers), ALL other jobs are in the South, in particular the South East. This means that for generations to come, there will continue to be a brain and skill drain from the North to the South. I myself grew up in Yorkshire and first moved to the Midlands, and am now in the South East. Why? Simple. There are very few (if any) jobs in the Telecommunications/Electronics/Engineering sector in the North. All of the major companies are in the South East, and will continue to be.

 

If the government was serious about moving jobs around, they would slash taxes for companies that relocate, give them free land and other grants. In return, they would insist on a commitment of at least 10 years, if not more.

In today's world of balancing books, it just might work.

 

The company I work for (multinational with more than 100,000 employees) considered moving to the midlands 5 years ago. They even started negotiating leases etc. Ultimately however they gave up as they found the costs to be no less than the South East (exc. London), links to London very poor etc. I am sure however that had there been substancial investments, i would now possibly be sitting in the Midlands. That's just 1 example; I'm sure there are many.

 

Interestingly, Middlesbrough was recently noted as the worse hit place in the UK for jobs because most of us work in the public sector (myself included). The government's planned cuts have already started hitting the local economy. Its sad to see because I can see in the 7 years that I've lived here, that Teesside was beginning to flourish a little, local areas had facelifts, there were more jobs for a while, and there has been good local investment. Sadly with the closure of CORUS and now these cuts, the place is doomed. Its sad. I doubt I'll be living here once me and Marc qualify as nurses

Interestingly, Middlesbrough was recently noted as the worse hit place in the UK for jobs because most of us work in the public sector (myself included). The government's planned cuts have already started hitting the local economy. Its sad to see because I can see in the 7 years that I've lived here, that Teesside was beginning to flourish a little, local areas had facelifts, there were more jobs for a while, and there has been good local investment. Sadly with the closure of CORUS and now these cuts, the place is doomed. Its sad. I doubt I'll be living here once me and Marc qualify as nurses

 

It's amazing isn't it? We would never allow parts of our bodies to disintegrate knowingly yet we are quite happy to let areas of the country fall apart, ignorantly thinking that it will continue to function well indefinitely with no repercussions. Not only is this continued "gap" bad for people and communities from a moral perspective, but the resulting social unrest could eventually destabilise the whole country.

 

Such a pity as so much of the North is so beautiful and the people are great.

 

Don't fancy the weather though!

It's amazing isn't it? We would never allow parts of our bodies to disintegrate knowingly yet we are quite happy to let areas of the country fall apart, ignorantly thinking that it will continue to function well indefinitely with no repercussions. Not only is this continued "gap" bad for people and communities from a moral perspective, but the resulting social unrest could eventually destabilise the whole country.

 

Such a pity as so much of the North is so beautiful and the people are great.

 

Don't fancy the weather though!

 

you touched on an intersting point in your earlier post about the goverment giving businesses incentives to move to other parts of the UK where investment is needed. Do you remember the "Make a break for Bristol" campaign? Similar thing happened where big businesses were given incentives to move to Bristol - I think quite a few of the big insurance companies set up head offices there, like Churchill and Direct Line.

 

I LOVE living in the North (and I'm a Southerner born and bred) - weather is terrible compared to the sunny climes of Pompey but despite Boro's bad image and reputation, the surrounding countryside and beaches more than make up for that - and the roads out accross the moors - second to none! Had a drive out there last night - FAB!

having just read through the newer comments, I'm appalled that people who have a job at the moment, have been jobless for less then 1 week, think that its easy to get a job.

 

I can understand the resentment to people who are just bone idle and don't want to go out and get a job as all this does is ruin areas of the community. but for people who are actively seeking work, to be told by someone already in a job "oh its easy" is nonsense. not every location is the same as regards to jobs. not everyone has the means to travel further a field and look for jobs. and not everyone can afford to get to and from a place of work during the time period of starting a job and getting paid.

 

Sorry, but I've just had to watch my mum, who has worked since she was 15 years old. get made redundant as the company she worked for got hit hard by the credit crunch. go through all the rigmarole of signing on, only to be told that my step dad earns to much. so now is struggling to make ends meet, she is actively seeking work, but who is going to employ some one who is a few years away from retirement, in a town that frankly doesn't have any work.

 

Visit our local jobcentre, almost all the work available is in high skilled positions, that you need 3 to 4 years worth of experience for. now my mum is of the age where it wouldn't be beneficial for her to go train in them areas, as soon as she finishes any course she would be almost knocking on retirements door.

 

The other problem with the place i live. is we have a high rate of immigrants. home base near where i live; 85% of its work force are immigrants.

 

If you want to create jobs for the UK, then stop outsiders coming over and filling the positions.

 

People on the dole i don't mind, I've been there, its a hard place to be, I've had to go through all the crap associated with it. the digs from friends saying "its easy to get a job" when they are in a job, and then you go "well anything at your place of work?" only for them to turn around and reply "ill ask" then a few days later get "my place isn't employing anyone right now" - so you end up thinking to you self, we feck you then, don't say its easy to get work when there really isn't any about in the area. only way to beat it when its like that is to start up your own business like i had too.

 

What gets my goat up though, is people who take heroin and alcoholics. they get hand outs no questions asked due to the self inflicted nature of the predicament they have got them selves into.

 

Please if you have never been on the dole longer than 1 month, don't sit there and say its easy to find work. as although it might be for you, it isn't the same for others, no one can force a company to employ someone. even with incentives.

 

The end of 2002 i found my self homeless thanks to wellingborough council. i lost my girlfriend, my job and where i stayed with in two weeks, it then took me 6 months of cold winter nights and days, to finally get a place to live due to how the council work, couldn't get a job as i had no address, and even if i did manage to get one, couldn't keep it that long due to being out on the street. once i had my place i set to work looking for a job, i went around every company in my little down (which really isn't that hard to do) filled in application forms, even when they said "no jobs available" i tried agencies who although they gave me odd days here and there, it wasn't a viable way to work due to having to declare it so losing any benefit i gained from having the work. it got to the point where i had 27 interviews in one week, and only 2 companies told me why i didn't get the job, one was because i didn't have a driving licence at the time. the other was due to not being suitable for the job (i new too much about the subject? work that bugger out?) instead i got a business plan together, saved a load of my cash up from the dole, got my driving licence and some savings to approach a bank with, went to 5 banks before i got accepted for a business loan. and started up my own business, fixing PC's

 

But i tell you one thing, if it wasn't for my persistence in getting where i am today, i dont realistically know how long i would of been out of work.

 

It was a nightmare getting someone else to employ me after being jobless for almost a year while i sorted my self out. for that year i was setting my self back up again and getting on my feet. i found out first hand what the dole is really like. and i wouldn't wish that on my worse enemy, the job center does NOT help people back into work, they pressure you into things that you either, can not do. are not suitable for, of have no experience with. they do not work to your own strengths, and people put you down the first chance they get, rather than helping you towards your goals.

 

As much as this might seem like a good idea, i think its going to be more detrimental than helpful. people out there need better means to get training for jobs the country needs. as at the moment if you are on the dole and want to go collage, they stop your money, which if living on your own, or no form of income, isn't very helpful at all.

Have to disagree with Vodkashots (to a degree). But can only speak for my area where I live.

 

Being made redundant a few times myself and knowing how hard it is to get a job I want. Takes about three months these days for one to come up that I will accept that pays what I want, doing the job I want.

 

And that’s my choice that I am happy to wait for the right one. But If I needed money or the £63 a week on the dole was not enough I would go work doing anything. Cleaning up shitty pants and shit if need be. I think the problem is there is a lot of crappy, badly paid, sole destroying jobs out there that people don’t want to do that bring in £150 a week for long hours. But that’s still more than twice the dole money and the jobs are there if you really really want the cash.

 

So to have people long term on the dole cos they can’t get a job (in my area) is bull shit! It’s they just don’t want to do the jobs that are there.

no job then recieve help from the state to live in return for a small amount of help to the state in the form of a couple of days work:yes:...say no to a couple of days unpaid work helping the comunity then your help from the state stops so whats un-natural about this simple idea.Its time that something for nothing must come to an end so that the produces of the land are not working to keep others that wont work....

Before the do-gooders jump down my throat ime talking about the wider picture here and not the genuine minority who cant work for genuine medical reasons;)

no job then recieve help from the state to live in return for a small amount of help to the state in the form of a couple of days work:yes:...say no to a couple of days unpaid work helping the comunity then your help from the state stops so whats un-natural about this simple idea.Its time that something for nothing must come to an end so that the produces of the land are not working to keep others that wont work....

Before the do-gooders jump down my throat ime talking about the wider picture here and not the genuine minority who cant work for genuine medical reasons;)

 

I don't think anyone could argue with that to be honest - and speaking from my own experience, I would rather do something constructive than sit on my fat ass doing nowt all day!

I don't think anyone could argue with that to be honest - and speaking from my own experience, I would rather do something constructive than sit on my fat ass doing nowt all day!

 

Agreed, but they also have to allow time for people to actively seek work. i suppose when looking at it from a different perspective, it will help in the long run, at least when you file a application form, you could now present work you have done, even if unpaid, which is going to help a lot.

 

Where as before, if you haven't been employed for a while, unless you did voluntary work. you really had nothing but "job search" to fill in areas of no work. so although i played devils advocate in the previous posts. i do think that had this been available when i was looking for work, it would of gone a long way to helping as well.

Have to disagree with Vodkashots (to a degree). But can only speak for my area where I live.

 

Being made redundant a few times myself and knowing how hard it is to get a job I want. Takes about three months these days for one to come up that I will accept that pays what I want, doing the job I want.

 

And that’s my choice that I am happy to wait for the right one. But If I needed money or the £63 a week on the dole was not enough I would go work doing anything. Cleaning up shitty pants and shit if need be. I think the problem is there is a lot of crappy, badly paid, sole destroying jobs out there that people don’t want to do that bring in £150 a week for long hours. But that’s still more than twice the dole money and the jobs are there if you really really want the cash.

 

So to have people long term on the dole cos they can’t get a job (in my area) is bull shit! It’s they just don’t want to do the jobs that are there.

 

What he said. Exactly what I think, all the immigrants snap up the shitty jobs because Mr Britain is too lazy or proud to do them!

 

So to have people long term on the dole cos they can’t get a job (in my area) is bull shit! It’s they just don’t want to do the jobs that are there.

 

I completely agree with this.

 

I think it is a great idea getting people to work if they are capeable of it if they have been on long term benefits, there are loads of jobs people can be doing & if we are paying them money to be unemployed then why on earth shouldnt they work - even jobs cleaning up the community, helping the elderly etc.

 

I have always thought this & it boils my blood that there are people out there getting rediculous amounts of benefits for doing fook all! There was a family in the papers a few weeks back that had 10 kids & I think it worked out that a tax paying working person would need to earn £150k pa to get what they got in benefits!! :cursing::cursing::cursing:

 

What would these people do if we had no state benefits?! Fooking work thats what!!

 

I am 42 & have been out of work for 1 week since leaving school at 16 - out of luck? No, cos I have always put myself out to be good at what I do & to make sure I have always worked.

 

People have it too easy to sit on their asses & do bugger all & still get everything paid.

 

IMO if you are on benifits you should be happy to work for what you get & you should just about get enough to live never mind have widescreen TV's, SKY, run a car etc.

 

Harsh maybe, but like I said, if there was no state benefit system I am sure peoples attitudes would be rather different. :sneaky2:

I completely agree with this.

 

I think it is a great idea getting people to work if they are capeable of it if they have been on long term benefits, there are loads of jobs people can be doing & if we are paying them money to be unemployed then why on earth shouldnt they work - even jobs cleaning up the community, helping the elderly etc.

 

I have always thought this & it boils my blood that there are people out there getting rediculous amounts of benefits for doing fook all! There was a family in the papers a few weeks back that had 10 kids & I think it worked out that a tax paying working person would need to earn £150k pa to get what they got in benefits!! :cursing::cursing::cursing:

 

What would these people do if we had no state benefits?! Fooking work thats what!!

 

I am 42 & have been out of work for 1 week since leaving school at 16 - out of luck? No, cos I have always put myself out to be good at what I do & to make sure I have always worked.

 

People have it too easy to sit on their asses & do bugger all & still get everything paid.

 

IMO if you are on benifits you should be happy to work for what you get & you should just about get enough to live never mind have widescreen TV's, SKY, run a car etc.

 

Harsh maybe, but like I said, if there was no state benefit system I am sure peoples attitudes would be rather different. :sneaky2:

 

now this boils my blood, there are people who cant be arsed to work then there are those who out right cheat the system

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-11429174

 

then you get this. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1293730/Somali-asylum-seeker-family-given-2m-house--complaining-5-bed-London-home-poor-area.html which has nothing to do with lazy people.

 

tbh, all this subject causes is anger. would help if we had a government with balls tbh.

 

I sacrificed a lot when i was homeless and when i was getting my self back on my feet, and still managed to sort out a place to live, and then start working again. but the two examples above take the :censored: to be honest.

Going back to the original thread starter - yes it gets my vote.

Why should long term dole claimants NOT do 'unpaid' community jobs? If you put a different spin on it they are getting paid - the dole allowance.

Genuine people wanting work will not have a problem with this, basically they would just be earning their dole allowance until a suitable job becomes available.

Litter picking, painting, communal gardening etc - all useful jobs can be done until they get proper employment.

A good idea for the long term unemployed as long as its done fairly and time is allocated for job hunting, interviews etcl

I'm sure we all agree that it's the lazy b***ards who have never worked, or can't be arsed to get a job, that should be made to work. The point of the welfare system is to help people when they're in need - through serious illness, redundancy, hardship, whatever. Some people were better off on the old benefits system which prevented them from even attempting to find a job - this way it's tough love but in the long term no matter how much they hate working it'll do them the world of good both physically, mentally and for their self esteem. And I agree Ian - stop giving jobs to people who aren't from this country and give them to people who are from this country but don't have a job!! It's not b***ard rocket science! :headvswal

My little trip to Spain opened my eyes!-you don't put into the system,you get feck all! Simple.:smartass:

I think it will do them good to have a job, its not even the minimum wage but by the time you add on housing benefit this benefit and that benefit they are probably on £30 per hour for picking up litter LOL.

 

There are a lot of Jobs down here and 4 out of 5 of my best friends are on the dole as a career. They get all shitty when I tell them to get a Job and I get told that they will eventually etc when they are ready but they have a good life as they are.

 

IMO 6 months dole then no more will get all the free loaders back to work. Its not fair on any level why tax payers give away at least 30% of everything they earn, so the bums can laugh at them getting up and going out to work while they get up at 1pm to have the first splif of the day.

 

I dont mind if they have a real job or work for the dole just as long as they get up and contribute to society. If they want to work but cant get a job they will have the opportunity to do it for the dole so really I cant see anything to moan about.

Its not unpaid work. They are earning their keep!

 

There are plenty of jobs out there it all depends how willing you really are to roll your sleaves up and do a days work.

 

I have a friend who works for Job Centre, she tells me this has been happening for a couple of years or so, so it's not news.

However, she did point out the hours that claimants have to work are 30 per week, and some of them get JSA of around £53/ week. About £1.77/ hour.

 

I earned that as an apprentice in 1982, nearly 30 years ago.

 

I'm not in any way in support of tossers who retired when they left school, merely pointing out some facts which were highlighted to me today!

 

Also- She told me- It's not the workshy who are normally targetted, they usually have a variety or reasons/ other maladies stopping them from work. It's usually folk who have lost their jobs, been out of work for a while and are having a genuinely tough time.