these unemployment "reforms" are touted regularly and never come to anything but they always demonise the unemployed, disabled, single mothers etc. as worthless and workshy.

I've been unemployed (..never claimed the dole) but it's always been the most depressing times of my life. Not working really is hell. No matter how rich I become ,I'd always want to work-probably to my dying day if I can.

I can't believe that people willingly wish to be unemployed-there will always be exceptions-but what could they possibly do with their time let alone the pittance they receive ?..but these statements by an endless array of Works and Pensions Secretarys, the latest James Purnell come and go and perpetuate the myths each generation and not one ever comes with an inventive or workable idea.

My personal view is that there will always be about 5% of the population unemployed and who are unemployable. Best to give them the minimum to survive lest they tutn to crime ( Karen Mathews?).. it costs a fortune in the end. Nothing comes for free..including the unemployed !

www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentato...he-poor-1061132.html

Matthew Norman: It takes a rich man to pour such scorn on the poor
As the disability defiant Churchill would agree, an army must carry its wounded

Very good article. Norman is one of the good guys.