Universal Benefits - an idea.

[JackanorySFC]

I have an idea to help the Governments “universal benefits” campaign. Firstly, I have to say that in a civilized society, the injured, disabled, genuine jobseekers and pensioners should be looked after. However, I’m sure everyone on here knows that people exist that purely use the benefits system as a lifestyle choice.

 

I’m happy for jobseekers to be paid an amount each month in cash for 3 months. At the end of that they have 2 options:

 

Carry on getting paid their universal benefits in cash but having to either do charity work/ roadsweeping/ graffiti cleaning or, if none the these are available, digging a big hole in the ground with a shovel then filling it up again.

 

Or,

 

Only get benefits but in the form of vouchers. These would be administered by automated “begging bowls” where the long term work shy can sit beneath with a 20 word maximum placard in front saying why they think they deserve the money earned by passers by. The “bowl” will be similar to the M6 Toll where you can chuck change in and it filters through giving a total. At the end of their “shift” (max 8hrs to comply with European working regs) the beggers can print out a voucher whereby tax and NI has been deducted (ie, £100 “donated” = a voucher for £77, the remaining £23 goes to the Exchequer). The voucher can be used for food, water, heating, electricity, clothing and baby food only. No Sky TV, cigarettes, booze etc.

[Saint-scooby]

When you say "clothing" does that include JJB and sports direct and Argos

[dune]

I agree there should be a 3 month cut off point. If you can't find a job (it may not be what you to do) in 3 months then you're lazy.

 

I would reintroduce workhouses. If the slobs can't find work for themselves then give them no choice in the matter - work and board or the streets.

 

If my plan was introduced the slobs would soon get off their arses and give up their career of milking the system.

[JackanorySFC]

When you say "clothing" does that include JJB and sports direct and Argos

 

Good point, probably better to have bright orange jumpsuits in the style of US chain gangs. That way the work shy can be easily spotted without their regulation Cider in hand.

[Hatch]

After 3 months they should be 'exported' to Poland / Romania / Iraq / India / Spain / Scotland or wherever in some sort of 'benefit swap' system

[dune]

Good point, probably better to have bright orange jumpsuits in the style of US chain gangs. That way the work shy can be easily spotted without their regulation Cider in hand.

 

Branding is another option.

[thefunkygibbons]

Whilst three months may be too short, I am in favour of a lifetime limit for benefits,

[Saint-scooby]

Branding is another option.

 

If kappa made orange jumpsuits, surely that would make them popular to wear..

[ecuk268]

I agree there should be a 3 month cut off point. If you can't find a job (it may not be what you to do) in 3 months then you're lazy.

 

I would reintroduce workhouses. If the slobs can't find work for themselves then give them no choice in the matter - work and board or the streets.

 

If my plan was introduced the slobs would soon get off their arses and give up their career of milking the system.

 

According to the ONS, at the end of 2010 there were 2.5 million unemployed and 450k vacancies. Where are the other lazy 2 million supposed to find a job?

 

Off course, you're assuming that the skills of the unemployed match those required by the vacancies.