General Chat

I ran a homeless project and retired 2 years ago. In the 9 years I worked there I met loads of people and lots there not due to there own fault. I also had ex servicemen and I still ask the question why?

The thing about choosing to be self employed is you can choose to work more or less hours each day/week.

Oh I wish that was true..you are obviously not SE Caroline but yes back to the thread..again take a look at how they are dealing with this on the Isle of Wight..and it is working xxx <3

I'm out.

I would think you'd have more choice than someone who wants to work but isn't given enough hours :-)

Honestly Caroline ..it doesn't work that way. 16 years SE so I hope you will believe me. It does have it's perks though..you have to fire yourself and the Xmas party is a bit boring ;-)

WOW Sharron ..that was a bit rude?
:-(

I'm not saying you don't know what works for you so to speak, but I'm not sure you are really aware what can happen to those not in the same position as you.
We will have to agree to disagree on this, as I know there are many who would love to work in a full time job with a half decent wage, save up and "better themselves" in both qualifications and lifestyle but through no fault of their own for want of a better phrase "they're being kept down by the man"
That isn't unique to the UK it's happening worldwide, and yes some of it is down to the Government and their policies including giving money abroad to questionable causes.
Granted there will be some who for many reasons will never "better themselves", but many have issues that need help.

Side point....if the Xmas party is boring is that because you're the only person employed in your company ?

I am fully aware of those that slip through the net ...there are amazing people out there that are doing mundane jobs and being held back due to circumstances beyond their control. There is a whole skilled workforce just waiting for the jobs they had to be made avaliable again..PS Re the Xmas party...Not the only person in the company , I have a business partner but our employees cost us a fortune when they were let loose with the wine list at previous Xmas parties. .xxxx

LOL maybe they were trying to drink away their sorrows !!

:-D Well if they were .....they succeeded !

Oh dear my husband owns his own company in the city of London. I am the opposite to him. He is all for money and I am for people xx

Hi Ann..that is a great balance and I bet it has helped with the running of the business x

I am only back because somebody told me I was being accused of rudeness. Not quite sure how it is rude to withdraw from a discussion when you decide it is becoming too deep and heated for comfort but if it does make me rude then I an very glad I have withdrawn.

No problem Sharron ..but I fail to see why you thought it was becoming heated? Sorry if you got the wong impression x

I am of an age where I can recall little in the way of homelessness.
People lived with their family or rented or had a mortgage and were buying their homes. People worked in high or low positions to pay their rent or mortgage and to pay all their other bills including food.
Fast forward fifty years and my the changes. Circumstances change. Now it seems an entire generation wants a family, wants a house....on benefits There are unemployment benefits, seems a contradiction :-S
The Social Services are taking more out of the UK economy than is coming in.
To some it's a blessing, some exploit it.

I may have been off topic or retrospective in my previous post.
Was giving a different perspective on homelessness....that may be outdated.

28 Mar 1969 "The Wednesday Play" was Ken Loach's "Cathy Come Home". Anyone 15+ at the time will remember it. homelessness at the hands of the state is nothing new.

Ken Loach latest movie is "I, Daniel"

Newby, you seem to 'forget' Public Sector workers are receiving their first pay rise in over 6 years.
I remember saying to a colleague 4 years ago 'We'll soon be earning the minimum wage'. She didn't understand me then - she does now :-(

Highly skilled/experienced/responsible public sector workers who were on £8 an hour (not the lowest grade pay) 6 years ago, are, until their 1 or 2% rise in April still on that rate.
Minimum wage is £7.50 from April.
1% of £8 is 8p, so a 'massive' pay rise then? No 1 or even 2% of p*** all is still p*** all

These are Public Sector workers who do the admin for chid protection cases, school attendances/inspections. They are ward administrators in hospitals, they hold responsible jobs, where confidentiality is paramount.

Is the work these people do really so 'simple' they're 'worth' paying only 51p more than the minimum wage?

The 'living' wage is currently £8.25, rising to £8.45 in April, so they're apparently not even worth that!

Walk a mile in someone else shoes

Until you've done that you don't always fully understand the situation, even if you think you do.

Rollo , I remember Cathy come home , although I watched it in the 70's blimey that touched a nerve for us teens ,. Maggie I understand what you are saying and I hope I have not demeaned anyones right to a decent days pay for a decent days work , especially where responsibility for others welfare is attached .
David ..you have a valid point and it is shared rightly or wrongly, by many more people in the UK so don't apologise .
Caroline ..?I hope you don't imagine I think I understand the whole problem surrounding homelessness? Any anger felt would be best directed at those responsible and elected. That is the main reason people still have to live on the streets in this day and supposedly enlightened age.