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I would love to know when I and others like me became scroungers?
I was recently made redundant not because of the world recession, not because the goods I was manufacturing weren't wanted, not because I wasn't prepared to travel and work hard.
I was made redundant because the Country I was working in had a revolution!
This brought a suspension of the long term contract I was working on which in my own small way was bringing much needed money into this Country.
If ever things become stable again in that Country I know, there is a backlog of work that I will be able to catch up on.
Until then, I and others in my position are doing what they are entitled to do, claim benefits.
While I was working, I bought the luxury goods, flat screen T.V.'s, decent mobile, excellent P.C. & laptop for when I do go abroad.
All items I paid cash for, I have no debts so if I choose to fritter away some of my benefits on entertainment am I being irresponsible? Am I stealing from other peoples tax?
No, I am existing on less than quarter of what I used to earn, but I certainly don't need some high minded person to decide how I spend my entitlement, nor am I suddenly so incompetent with money that I need to be paid in vouchers.
Very soon fortunately the work is going to be there again for me plenty of panels that are well overdue to be made, plenty of time spent abroad fitting those panels. (the Company hope there will be so much work they will be able to employ even more struggling people in genuine jobs).
Do I blame the people of that Country for fighting for a better life? No, hopefully their freedom will mean more work as we turn their Country around.
I have of course been prepared to do any job while I'm claiming my rights, the jobs just aren't out there like they used to be.
As for generations being on benefits it's a disgrace, but I don't think it is their disgrace, it is OUR digrace, so unless you have some magic fix that will bring genuine work for all do not be too quick to judge, the vast majority in their situation want to work.