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This reminds me of jobstart, basically I got turfed of benefits at about the time I needed them. I kindly got a grant towards some transportation fees, if I'd g

This reminds me of jobstart, basically I got turfed of benefits at about the time I needed them. I kindly got a grant towards some transportation fees, if I'd go self-employed (0hrs contract, no guaranteed employment). What I really could have done with is a little hand holding and support in a work or volunteer placement - rather than feeling stigmatised. In the UK Government's eyes: one less unemployed. I could have spent the money on a suit and shoes. Money doesn't go that far, at the time I could barely afford to clothe, feed myself and had tenuous accommodation. Stability of housing and the other bare essentials put you in a better position to job. It's all a bit chicken and egg.

pjc50 9y ago
Given the way WFTC works, some people believe that a lot of people moved from being "on benefits" to being "self employed for zero hours for zero money"; with a bit of tax planning this could provide a better income without having to deal with the jobcentre jobsworths. http://www.harrowell.org.uk/blog/2013/03/03/the-transition-towards-a-low-trust-society/ http://www.harrowell.org.uk/blog/2013/03/03/the-transition-t...
- keypress 9y ago
  Gutted to find that perhaps I could have been buoyed by working tax credits. That I have never claimed. Self-employment hasn't worked out for me - just left me with more and more debt. Years ago I think the LSE ran a study, that concluded, you may as well just close all job centres, and give a no questions asked hand-out instead. There's a stigma attached to bad jobs, benefits, and poor income - and with some of that lifted, it might provide a better seed-bed for some business. Benefits are generally designed for short-term-ism, you can survive on not a lot, but opportunities are removed. Even basic socialisation becomes hard: you can't afford a drink in the pub. That being said, I've never been poorer than being self-employed. I know it works for some, and there are benefits, but it doesn't work for all.

pjc50 9y ago

Given the way WFTC works, some people believe that a lot of people moved from being "on benefits" to being "self employed for zero hours for zero money"; with a bit of tax planning this could provide a better income without having to deal with the jobcentre jobsworths. http://www.harrowell.org.uk/blog/2013/03/03/the-transition-towards-a-low-trust-society/ http://www.harrowell.org.uk/blog/2013/03/03/the-transition-t...

keypress 9y ago
Gutted to find that perhaps I could have been buoyed by working tax credits. That I have never claimed. Self-employment hasn't worked out for me - just left me with more and more debt. Years ago I think the LSE ran a study, that concluded, you may as well just close all job centres, and give a no questions asked hand-out instead. There's a stigma attached to bad jobs, benefits, and poor income - and with some of that lifted, it might provide a better seed-bed for some business. Benefits are generally designed for short-term-ism, you can survive on not a lot, but opportunities are removed. Even basic socialisation becomes hard: you can't afford a drink in the pub. That being said, I've never been poorer than being self-employed. I know it works for some, and there are benefits, but it doesn't work for all.