Any Sympathies For This Poor Couple?

[youngmafbog]

Clearly getting a job has not crossed their tiny self centered minds. Now I know they are both not carrying a full load but surely anyone who cannot see the problem should not be walking the streets, let alone be responsible for children.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3388359/Lotto-couple-won-50-000-spent-year-face-eviction-refused-benefits.html

[B00]

Are you saving for anything in particular stuey?

[ummmm]

I suppose it depends on what you had before the win. I know benefits add up to quite a lot but it's not in hard cash.

[stuey]

B00, perhaps it will go towards a comfortable spot in a "retirement home":)

[New Judge]

“My husband is a scaffolder but there is no work around at the moment.”

Mr Hort said: 'Obviously we want to get back to work - I worked pretty much from the age of nine until I was 22 and 23. [He must be worn out, poor thing]. 'I've been looking for jobs but with everything you have to be professional and qualified. Trying to get a job is like finding a needle in a haystack.'

I’m sure he could undertake a career change and become a labourer or a driver, then. If so I've managed to find a few needles for him:

http://www.gov.gg/jobcentrevacancies?metatype9=14656&;sort=Relevance&size=10#top

There are plenty of other unskilled and semi skilled jobs going in Guernsey.

What a load of tosh and alas typical of the benefits culture which has infested the UK and which has obviously migrated to Bailiwicks in the Crown Dependencies.

“All we want is a bit of help”

No, all they want is their rent and living expenses provided out of other people’s pockets.

Sympathy? Absolutely none. They received a tax free prize which probably equated to at least two year’s normal income for them. If they’re stupid enough to blow it all on frivolities because “we deserve it” then there is no reason why taxpayers should pick up their expenses when their prizemoney runs out.

[viv41]

Excellent post NJ.

[B00]

Thing is, what were they supposed to do exactly with their winnings?

They couldn't claim benefits once it was won, so they were left with no option but to live on it. And yes we can argue that it should've lasted them longer, but as large an amount as it was, it wouldn't have kept them indefinitely would it?

[naomi24]

No. As has been said, he could have used the money to set himself up in business. People like these are takers - and they'll always be takers.

[ummmm]

I've been wealthy, I've been very poor. If when I was poor I won 50k I would buy the things I couldn't have afforded.

When you're really poor if you so much as lose weight you suddenly have barely anything to wear.

[youngmafbog]

Well he could have formed a business or, heaven forbid, they could have found jobs !!

[ummmm]

And if you're not business minded?

[Sqad]

NJ......that is the correct answer, BUT is it the human one?

motto in my Med school........homo sum nihil a me alienum puto....roughly speaking, "I am a man and nothing human is outside my experience"

I thought it was daft, as a student, but the older i got the more appropriate it appeared.

BUT...bottom line....correct answer by NJ....100%.

[youngmafbog]

Oh, were they wearing their giant TV then ummm?

[naomi24]

//And if you're not business minded? //

There's always a convenient 'but' that stops takers working.

[B00]

i wouldn't start a business no matter how much money i'd won!

And saying "they could've found jobs" is a bit simplistic isn't it? They could've/should've done that prior and since losing the money, but they haven't- I fail to see how having 50k makes jobs more accessible to you!

[fiction-factory]

They could have spent it a little more carefully I suggest Boo- maybe spread it over 2-3 years rather than over 1 year, and then when their savings then fall just below the thresholds - maybe within 2 years- they could have returned to benefits and still keep what savings they had to enjoy for another year or two

[B00]

Sensible option FF, but the simple truth is they'd still be in the same situation- just a few years later.

[hc4361]

I wonder where their children are?

[ummmm]

You're missing the point, youngmafbog, If they are genuine benefit claimants, and not earning on the side, they'd have little cash to buy any luxuries. I think 50k landing in the bank just made them go on a shopping a spree and buy things they've longed for without thinking of the consequences.

What's the obsession with TV's?

[-Talbot-]

TV's, even giant TV's are very cheap today ... why shouldn't people on benefits have a decent TV?

[ummmm]

I have a big flat screen smart TV that cost about £250. Worked out much more expensive in the end because I had to buy a sideboard for it to go on.

*Do not let men on Amazon when they've been drinking :-)